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| Threshold - Wounded Land and Psychedelicatessen/Livedelica |
  Released: WL: 1993/1996/2002 P: 1994/2002 L: 1995/2002 Label: InsideOut Music America Cat. No.: WL:GEPCD1005 [93]/ IOMCD 083/IOMA 4018-2 P: GEPCD1014 [94]/IOMCD 084/IOMA 4017-2 L: GEPCD1015 [95]/IOMA 4017-2 Total Time: WL: 65:48, P: 65:02,L: 30:11 | |
Reviewed by: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck, June 2002 This group couldn't have given itself a better name than Threshold. They weren't only on the threshold of metal and progressive rock, they were forever in the middle of change with group members. If they were in the studio or on tour, they were changing group members. The constant state of flux that surrounded them did not deter them. They continued to grow as a unit and develop their own distinct sound. They were hailed as the UK's answer to Dream Theater. Although they reminded [one] of that group at times, they most definitely have their own sound. They have a harder metal edge than most prog bands. Most recently they have settled into a more permanent lineup and their sound has reached a maturity that many groups never have the pleasure of enjoying. These two special edition releases from Inside Out Music give a great overview of group in transition as well as one going through tremendous developmental growth. The additional content on each album includes pictures, videos, and demos. All of that is very interesting and valid while absorbing this entire multi-musical experience. Livedelica is a glimpse at what it would be like at one of their concerts, and it's an excellent one indeed. The sound is exceptional for a live recording. I really enjoyed the artwork for each CD cover as well. Progressive bands really have a flair for attractive and thought provoking art on their albums (thank you Yes and Roger Dean). Wounded Land has strong green theme based on a story by Stephen Donaldson. While some folks felt it was a bit much, the music was a strong statement as well. Of the three discs I preferred Psychedelicatessen. The album had a rawness to it to that is difficult to capture and duplicate. It really rocks hard and fast on literally every song, while its follow up has a more refined and produced sound, but it's excellent just the same. [Actually, Wounded Land preceded Psychedelicatessen - ed.] Both albums are worth their weight in gold for prog and metal fans. You get it all- remastered tracks, bonus CDs, demos, and videos, what more could you ask for? As usual there are a limited number of these on hand, so don't waste any time wondering if you should buy them or not, just do it. Rating: 4 (both) More about Wounded Land and Psychedelicatessen/Livedelica : Track Listing: Wounded Land: Consume To Live (8:11) / Days of Dearth (5:26) / Sanity's End (10:21) / Paradox (7:15) / Surface To Air (10:14) / Mother Earth (5:52) / Siege Of Baghdad (7:44) / Keep It With Mine (2:27) / Bonus Track: Intervention (6:38) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.thresh.net Discography
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