This was certainly not the direction I had expected Threshold would have taken with this their 8th studio album 'Dead Reckoning'. The approach to the music is a lot straighter and actually quite simplistic in terms of Threshold, which is very apparent on the whole album.

If I had to describe this album in one word, then I would say; "remarkable". The guitar sound on this album is straight in your face, razor-sharp and very prominent and heavy sounding. The album is darker and heavier on one side, and on the other side this is the easiest accessible Threshold album ever. The songs are catchy and go straight for the throat, which has a lot to do with Andrew 'Mac' McDermott's vocal performance on this album. He has never sounded so dominant, natural and powerful before, and with this performance he just underlines the fact that he has one the best metal voices around.

The creative side of Threshold; guitarist Karl Groom and keyboard player Richard West has found the perfect balance between the dominant guitar sounds and the distinct use keyboard sounds through 55 minutes of extremely intense and powerful heavy rock. Paired with one of the tightest rhythm sections around in drummer Johanne James and bass player Steve Anderson the foundations for Mac's vocals are worked out to perfection, and he delivers like never before.

The sound is tight, clear and heavy and this is clearly a UK band at work. On 'Dead Reckoning' Threshold has cut their style down to the bone, the music is pure and simple heavy rock with a slight progressive edge and with this release they manage to surpass anything they've released before.

Threshold has created a breathtaking album, which surely will surprise a few metal heads; the appearance of Dan Swanö on two songs and his contribution give these songs an aggressive edge and a nice twist to them. But there is so much more to be discovered on this awesome album - I won't start emphasizing songs or parts because this album is so versatile and profound that one have to listen and let it all sink in to fully appreciate the brilliant and depth of this album.

'Dead Reckoning' is packed with catchy heavy metal with breaks do die for, outstanding musicianship all around, a brilliant production and overall a very mature and professional album that in my book surpasses everything released in 2007 so far.

I have always held Threshold close to my heart, and with this brilliant piece of timeless heavy rock they have outdone themselves once more, and have created what at the end of the year surely will be a very strong contender for album of the year.

A very energetic, powerful and very entertaining release from one the finest representatives of the genre, which in my book is a mandatory buy for any metal fan, who like catchy heavy metal with balls and a lot of pure energy.