Threshold [have been] making final preparations for their forthcoming European tour [that started] at the end of August. The tour is being presented by Rock Hard and Eclipsed magazines, and features a strong three band support package featuring Communic, Machine Men and Serenity.

The tour takes in Germany, Holland, Czech Republic, Hungary, France, Switzerland and Belgium, with Threshold going on to play further dates in England, Denmark and the US later in the year with the likes of It Bites, Kamelot and After Forever.

Threshold recently experienced the unexpected departure of their singer Mac just days before their first festivals of the year, but fortunately the band's original vocalist Damian Wilson was able to step in for all this year's tour dates. Wilson sang on the band's first and third albums, but apart from a few live UK shows before the release of Wounded Land he has only toured once with the band back in 1997. "Having Damian Wilson back on vocals adds an edge to the shows this time around," says guitarist and founder member Karl Groom. "Fans who have never had a chance to see him perform with Threshold now have a great opportunity we never thought would happen."

Damian Wilson is also currently lead singer of Headspace, a British progressive rock band featuring keyboard player Adam Wakeman, son of the legendary Yes keyboard player Rick Wakeman. Fortunately, the Threshold tour dates didn't clash with any Headspace commitments, and after playing two festivals with Threshold in July, Wilson was able to commit to the rest of Threshold's tour schedule. "Playing the festivals was a lot of fun, even without preparation and it was compelling to be greeted with such a positive response. I guess it's the same with most singers; give me a stage and I'm happy, give me an audience and I'm thrilled."

Also new to the band's touring line-up this year is guitarist Pete Morten, filling in for Nick Midson who decided to take some time off from the band last year. "This is a moment in my life that I am very much looking forward to and I don't plan on taking it for granted," says Morten. He also fronts his own band who are currently being produced by Karl Groom. "I see this tour with Threshold as an amazing opportunity to not only play with an amazing band and further my craft as a musician, but see this as a great promotional vehicle for my own band Soliloquy."

This year's set list will include a blend of new songs from the Dead Reckoning album alongside older classics including songs from when Damian Wilson was in the band. "We're doing a few tracks from Wounded Land and Extinct Instinct, but the main focus is to promote the new album," says keyboard player Richard West. "We ended the last two festivals with 'This Is Your Life' (from Dead Reckoning) and Damian really owned it, he gave it a new flavour and it sounded amazing."

Threshold's tour kicked off in Germany on 31 August.