Threshold: The Journey Continues

Selections below, more available for viewing and licensure via Demotix/Corbis

Previous concert in Munich, Nov. 2014 (warning: large number of photos!) link

Threshold, one of the world's premier progressive rock/metal bands, arrived in Munich to play its latest album "For The Journey" (Nuclear Blast, 2015) among other favorites. Shows are characterized by high energy & little isolation from the audience.

During this tour, Threshold played their latest album "For The Journey" in its entirety, along with selections of fan favorites from throughout their 26 year history.  It is also to support their latest live album "European Journey".

In contrast to numerous other bands in the "progressive" arena, Threshold chooses classy, emotional deliveries instead of endless displays of technical prowess.

March of Progress

No usage without license.  Usage with credit, but no prior license agreement, is unauthorized usage.

Shot in front of Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, NYC, June 2015

The title of this entry was taken from the superficial presentation of images by Rudolf Zallinger in which he proposed a linear timeline of the progress of primate evolution from the apelike ancestors to Homosapiens.  This was the so called "March of Progress".

Over the years, the presentation has been simplified, cut apart, as well as often being found in the internet as variants where a deevolution takes place, with the final spots often involving computer/smartphone/tablet users/internet trolls.  Regardless of corrections, clarifications, and criticisms, the illustrations remain iconic and gateways to further learning of evolutionary biology, genetics, fossil and geological history.

"March of Progress" is also the title of the ninth studio album from British progressive band Threshold. This album was released after a five-year hiatus and marked the return of their original, iconic vocalist Damian Wilson for the third time.  Wilson replaced Threshold's no-less iconic singer Mac after his departure from the band and subsequent death.

The album's thematics are shrouded and highly developed, as is typical for Threshold, with many being metaphorical and seemingly representing the darkness of the human experience, from personal relationships and loss to war and living under political systems.  Furthermore, many Threshold albums and lyrics have strong, overt connections to various themes in science, such as space exploration, chemistry, and genetics. Perhaps these themes (among others) will be further detailed in the future in this blog.

After being a fan for countless years, I was able to photograph Threshold's brilliant, intense performance in Munich.  On display was incredible chemistry between the members, little to no isolation from the audience (and the band subsequently bringing us into the performance), and classy virtuosity that didn't detract from the songs.

After 25+ years, Threshold is clearly still one of the best acts in the harder side of prog.

Link to the Threshold homepage here
Threshold Munich concert here
42nd St. NYC here

PHILM

PHILM, the progressive-rock-metal-fusion power trio with punk tendencies, comprised of Gerry Nestler, the legendary Dave Lombardo, and Francisco "Pancho" Tomaselli, touring in advance of the release of their sophomore album "Fire From the Evening Sun" (release dates: DE: SEPT 12 UK: SEPT 15 US: SEPT 16, UDR Music).

Special thanks to Paula from PHILM, and Gee Goll of Solfo Bookings. Further thanks to the Feierwerk/Hansa39 Club in Munich.

No reproduction/reuse/reprinting/modification without explicit, written permission, and/or license agreement.  Violations will be litigated in Germany and in the United States.  Usage with attribution, but no agreement, is still unauthorized.
 

Gerry Nestler guitar, vocals

Dave Lombardo drums

 

Francisco "Pancho" Tomaselli

    

    

    

   

 

    

  

  

 

  

 

  

 

Official music video for Held In Light

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Long Distance Calling 2014 here
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sG (Secrets Of The Moon) here 

Hamferd live/interview here
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Amorphis live here 
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Krakow live here  
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