Threshold are back in almost a year, with another qualitative and extra melodious prog metal album. Undoubtedly, we’re talking about a band which is among the top prog metal acts of our time and they prove that with each and every new release. Damian Wilson talked to Grande Rock about the band’s new album & his return among other things…
Hi Damian… I‘m glad we’re given the chance to talk about your delightful new album…
D: Thank you.
Two years after “March of Progress” you’re back with “For the Journey”. What has happened during those two years? What was the driving force behind the new album?
D: We have toured. Got to know each other even better and enjoyed the process of putting the new album together.
Can you spot the differences and the similarities between “For the Journey” and “March of Progress”? What are the new elements that “For the Journey” brings on the table?
D: “For the Journey” feels more focused…
What does the album title “For the Journey” declare? And how is it related with the cover artwork where we see that old railroad in the middle of the desert and a guy far far away…?
D: It is about bettering ourselves to prepare for the Journey. The guy represents the spirit of Threshold.
Do give us a hint about each track…
D: “Watchtower on the Moon”: Paranoia…
“Unforgiven”: Forgive, it’s better for you…
“The Box”: It’s trouble…
“Turned to Dust”: It’s dust…
“Lost in Your Memory”: Forgotten about this one…
“Autumn Red”: Favourite time of year…
“The Mystery Show”: It is slowly being revealed…
“Siren Sky”: Ultimate…
What about the bonus track “I Wish I Could”? As far as I know, it’s Johanne’s old composition right?
D: It is a cover from his band that he wanted Threshold to record.
Once again Karl and Richard delivered an amazing production. I remember Karl telling me (when I had interviewed him for “MoP”) that having the control of the production gives him the ability to do the job exactly as he wants to. I guess it’s a privilege having both Karl and Richard taking care of the band’s sound, huh?
D: They are both great. I’ve been in awe since the early days of “Wounded Land” by what they both have achieved with production.
You have a personal sound as a band. Apart from the songwriting part, do you also believe that the production by Karl and Richard have played a major role as well?
D: Absolutely, very much.
I may sound a bit cliché but I think that “For the Journey” is somewhat better on the vocal melodies and on the song arrangements compared to the previous album. What’s your say?
D: The last album was more progressive. This one is a little straighter down the line.
There’s an official lyric video for “Watchtower on the Moon” already out. Are you working on a video as we speak? Are you planning to release one in the near future?
D: We have just recorded a video. Should be out next week.
Where can someone see the band live and what are your further touring plans for 2014 and 2015?
D: All the dates are on www.thresh.net.
What’s your own definition for Threshold’s music and what’s the musical secret which makes Threshold’s music both melodic and progressive at the same time?
D: It’s the combination of members.
Do you feel content and justified to be on the band again?
D: I love it. Content yes. It was definitely the right decision for me to return. And I have no plans to leave.
What is that you wish to achieve in the future? Which are the next steps for the band?
D: Great work. As long as we stick together we'll be fine.
D: Thank you.
Two years after “March of Progress” you’re back with “For the Journey”. What has happened during those two years? What was the driving force behind the new album?
D: We have toured. Got to know each other even better and enjoyed the process of putting the new album together.
Can you spot the differences and the similarities between “For the Journey” and “March of Progress”? What are the new elements that “For the Journey” brings on the table?
D: “For the Journey” feels more focused…
What does the album title “For the Journey” declare? And how is it related with the cover artwork where we see that old railroad in the middle of the desert and a guy far far away…?
D: It is about bettering ourselves to prepare for the Journey. The guy represents the spirit of Threshold.
Do give us a hint about each track…
D: “Watchtower on the Moon”: Paranoia…
“Unforgiven”: Forgive, it’s better for you…
“The Box”: It’s trouble…
“Turned to Dust”: It’s dust…
“Lost in Your Memory”: Forgotten about this one…
“Autumn Red”: Favourite time of year…
“The Mystery Show”: It is slowly being revealed…
“Siren Sky”: Ultimate…
What about the bonus track “I Wish I Could”? As far as I know, it’s Johanne’s old composition right?
D: It is a cover from his band that he wanted Threshold to record.
Once again Karl and Richard delivered an amazing production. I remember Karl telling me (when I had interviewed him for “MoP”) that having the control of the production gives him the ability to do the job exactly as he wants to. I guess it’s a privilege having both Karl and Richard taking care of the band’s sound, huh?
D: They are both great. I’ve been in awe since the early days of “Wounded Land” by what they both have achieved with production.
You have a personal sound as a band. Apart from the songwriting part, do you also believe that the production by Karl and Richard have played a major role as well?
D: Absolutely, very much.
I may sound a bit cliché but I think that “For the Journey” is somewhat better on the vocal melodies and on the song arrangements compared to the previous album. What’s your say?
D: The last album was more progressive. This one is a little straighter down the line.
There’s an official lyric video for “Watchtower on the Moon” already out. Are you working on a video as we speak? Are you planning to release one in the near future?
D: We have just recorded a video. Should be out next week.
Where can someone see the band live and what are your further touring plans for 2014 and 2015?
D: All the dates are on www.thresh.net.
What’s your own definition for Threshold’s music and what’s the musical secret which makes Threshold’s music both melodic and progressive at the same time?
D: It’s the combination of members.
Do you feel content and justified to be on the band again?
D: I love it. Content yes. It was definitely the right decision for me to return. And I have no plans to leave.
What is that you wish to achieve in the future? Which are the next steps for the band?
D: Great work. As long as we stick together we'll be fine.
Time for our “weird questions”!!! What do you think about this “Views, tweets & Likes” mania of our time?
D: Haven’t really noticed?
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time? What can a band or a label do to change that thing?
D: I preferred it when the people who cared, listened and shared. Rather than people who don't, taking the money.
Which one do you prefer: Vinyl, CD or Mp3 and why?
D: No contest. Vinyl.
Is music art? Or it used to be? How can those mainstream hit songs we repeatedly hear on the internet, radio & TV be taken as music art?
D: All music is art. Art is expression. Even the bad stuff.
How important is music for the human soul? Is its existence valuable & essential for the human souls?
D: For this soul, very.
Which character from the “Game of Thrones” would you have been – if you lived in the Seven Kingdoms? The other guys from the band?
D: Having not seen it I’m not really qualified to say, but I imagine I would sooner watch the trees.
Which of the Seven Deadly Sins do you reckon is the one, that’s more likely to send you straight to Hell, in the afterlife?
D: Envy…
If Threshold’s career was a movie… which movie would it be and why?
D: “Threshold” is a movie. Sci-fi, fits us perfectly.
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
D: I neither possess a wife, girlfriend or album collection but if I did, then I’d be impressed that she salvaged it from the fire. Since setting my vinyl alight in the 90s, I’ve never had another. She deserves the ring. No record collection is worth more than a woman. It’s about the music not the plastic.
Finally we come to an end Damian. Thx so much for the music all these years and wish you the best for the future. Any last words? Take care!
D: Just to wish you and your readers all the best.
D: Haven’t really noticed?
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time? What can a band or a label do to change that thing?
D: I preferred it when the people who cared, listened and shared. Rather than people who don't, taking the money.
Which one do you prefer: Vinyl, CD or Mp3 and why?
D: No contest. Vinyl.
Is music art? Or it used to be? How can those mainstream hit songs we repeatedly hear on the internet, radio & TV be taken as music art?
D: All music is art. Art is expression. Even the bad stuff.
How important is music for the human soul? Is its existence valuable & essential for the human souls?
D: For this soul, very.
Which character from the “Game of Thrones” would you have been – if you lived in the Seven Kingdoms? The other guys from the band?
D: Having not seen it I’m not really qualified to say, but I imagine I would sooner watch the trees.
Which of the Seven Deadly Sins do you reckon is the one, that’s more likely to send you straight to Hell, in the afterlife?
D: Envy…
If Threshold’s career was a movie… which movie would it be and why?
D: “Threshold” is a movie. Sci-fi, fits us perfectly.
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
D: I neither possess a wife, girlfriend or album collection but if I did, then I’d be impressed that she salvaged it from the fire. Since setting my vinyl alight in the 90s, I’ve never had another. She deserves the ring. No record collection is worth more than a woman. It’s about the music not the plastic.
Finally we come to an end Damian. Thx so much for the music all these years and wish you the best for the future. Any last words? Take care!
D: Just to wish you and your readers all the best.