Artist: THRESHOLD
Album: LEGENDS OF THE SHIRES VINYL (2LP BLACK)

Release date: 2017
EAN/UPS: 727361384012
Media type: LP

“It’s time for a new chapter. The THRESHOLD family has changed again and we can’t wait to get out there…”

Founded by guitarist Karl Groom in southern England in 1988, THRESHOLD were a unique proposition from the start. Driven forward by youthful confidence and verve, they swiftly became the UK’s premier purveyors of adventurous and progressive metal and have remained at the top of that tree for the best part of three decades. From early albums like »Wounded Land« (1993) and »Psychedelicatessen« (1994) through to more recent triumphs like 2014’s acclaimed »For The Journey«, the band’s reputation has been built upon the sheer strength of their songwriting, collective chemistry and fervent disregard for following passing trends. As a result, in 2017, THRESHOLD are as revered and respected as they have ever been.

But nothing runs smoothly, even in the virtuoso world of prog metal, and as the band approached the making of their 11th studio album, they found themselves a man down, as Damian Wilson - vocalist with THRESHOLD on three separate occasions, including the last decade of the band’s career - abruptly departed. Considering the tragic loss of another former vocalist, Andrew “Mac” MacDermott, who sadly passed away in 2011, THRESHOLD have not had the greatest of fortune when it comes to retaining their vocalists and, arguably, a lesser band would have crumbled in the face of a potentially damaging line-up shuffle, but as keyboardist and Groom’s songwriting comrade Richard West explains, there was one obvious solution to this latest setback: for their brand new album, »Legends Of The Shires«, THRESHOLD - completed by drummer Johanne James and bassist Steve Anderson - are welcoming former singer Glynn Morgan back into the fold, for the first time since fan-favourite full-length »Psychedelicatessen« in 1994.

“We just didn’t want to go with a new singer, so Glynn was the only man on our list,” notes Richard. “We were very, very grateful that he was willing! We did work with him again in 2008, when we went back to the studio to re-record some old tracks for a compilation we were doing. Then I worked with him again in 2012 with my other band LEAGUE OF LIGHTS. So the contact was always there and I was very much aware that he was always excited by the thought of another shot at THRESHOLD, so I figured that if we asked him, he’d say yes. We didn’t want to bring anyone new into the family. It’s a big enough family already, after 25 odd years… so it was nice to go back to him. And he’s got such an amazing voice, it’s been beautiful working with him again.”

With Glynn Morgan stamping his vocal authority all over the new album, it seems that the magical chemistry that has always been a major part of THRESHOLD’s appeal has already started to fizz and flicker around the band’s freshly retooled line-up. The release of »Legends Of The Shires« will be followed by a sustained flurry of live shows, as Glynn returns to the stage with his old compadres and takes the many-splendored delights of the new album to the masses, not to mention some choice cuts from »Psychedelicatessen«, the album that first brought Glynn’s incredible voice to our attention. As far as Richard West is concerned, the future for these dogged veterans has never seemed brighter. The legend continues…

“We had a great ten years with the previous line-up and we have some great memories of it. But we’re entering a new chapter and we’re looking forward to making some new memories,” he concludes. “We’re looking forward to taking it onto the road and seeing what this new family feels like. The nicest thing I found was how warm and friendly everything has been. It’s wonderful that we have a fresh start and we’re all loving being a part of THRESHOLD right now.”

Side A:

01. The Shire (Part 1)
02. Small Dark Lines
03. The Man Who Saw Through Time

Side B:

01. Trust The Process
02. Stars And Satellites
03. On The Edge

Side C:

01. The Shire (Part 2)
02. Snowblind
03. Subliminal Freeways
04. State Of Independence

Side D:

01. The Superior Machine
02. The Shire (Part 3)
03. Lost In Translation
04. Swallowed

LINE-UP:

Glynn Morgan | vocals
Karl Groom | guitars
Richard West | keyboards
Steve Anderson | bass
Johanne James | drums