Search - Threshold :: Critical Energy

Don't be afraid to cross the threshold and try something new

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 03/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What's good about it? Critical Energy is comprised of 18 live tracks that showcase some of the group's most epic material. Progressive metal fans will be happy that most tracks clock in at six minutes or more. This much material can't be contained on one CD. An orchestral fanfare starts the show off on "Phenomenon." It's as though an over the top movie is going to follow. Threshold jumps in with a hard riff, but smooth it over with some soft keyboards. McDermott has a great voice. It's not as high as some of his peers, but it is quite harmonic. "Oceanbound" is quite unique. Not only is it led by an ocean wave effect, but the guitar and bass sound like they're being played underwater. The keyboard work on "Choice" has Dream Theater written all over it. The guitars and keys go back and forth on some very well constructed solos. The piano starts to lead the way on "Falling Away" and "Long Way Home." West sets a tranquil pace, but is always interrupted by some cranking guitar rhythms. As the CD progresses, McDermott's vocals revert from progressive style to a more pop-rock/AOR sound. Disc two highlights McDermott's emotional and commanding voice on the opening acoustic tracks "Clear" and "Life Flow." Both tracks are accented by electric-acoustic guitars. "Narcissus" combines the best of acoustic balladry with the best of the crunchy epics. It has a nice little bounce to it that the crowd really reacts too. By now you can hear that Threshold knows how to interact with their audience and really get them into the show. "The Latent Gene" opens with some clean guitar tones that are quickly replaced by electric AOR rhythms. Once again, the guitars and the keyboard battle for the upper hand in a furious musical conclusion. There's a little industrial metal influence on "Light and Space." It has a killer opening keyboard pulse. Threshold concludes their lengthy set with two lengthy songs, "Paradox" (9:25) and "Sanity's End" (10:14). They're loaded with plenty of tempo changes and melody, enough to please the most critical of fans. Anything bad? It seems that most of their songs follow the same formula: clean opening / heavy riffs / powerful chorus / keyboard-guitar soloing. Bottom Line Really good music has to have a crossover appeal to it. It can't be confined to one genre. Threshold's music does just that, with their well-written, thought provoking lyrics, great vocal harmonies, and memorable guitar hooks. Critical Energy is really polished for a live album."

Threshold Live At It's BEST!!!

Elton Lee | Boston, MA United States | 03/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just got a copy of Critical Energy... It is indeed full of ENERGY!!!!!!! This is where you can hear them LIVE for the very first time with a double cd. I love Threshold. They are such a great UK Prog Band. They have gone thru good and bad times in their career and they succeeded in being the best at what they do and was born for. I am still waiting for the DVD cause I can't wait to see them perform live in my TV.... Highly recommended for prog fans....."