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Threshold are one of most underrated bands in the world, which is a crying shame, as they have never released a bad album (or indeed a bad song). They are the best Progressive Metal band to come out of the UK, one of the best to come out of the entire genre, in fact, and despite a five year absence after longtime vocalist Mac passed away, the band are back with March Of Progress, an album that blows away everything they have done before.

Recruiting former vocalist Damien Wilson (known these days for his work in Star One), Threshold kick things off with the awesome "Ashes", a song that recalls the simpler, more direct structure of the Dead Reckoning material while also providing a lighter, more serene approach that hasn't been heard since Hypothetical. In places, March Of Progress sounds like their older, more obscure albums, such as Extinct Instinct, but mostly this release finds the band exploring new ground, which separates it from their previous endeavors. Through a production that offers warm yet crushing guitar work, keys that are both astral and earthly, drums that are tasteful yet groovy, and vocals that fight for solitude among theatrical backing choirs, these songs have the perfect playing field to let the listener take in all they have to offer. There is a lot of music on here, but it goes by in the flick of a switch.

This record is saturated in intelligent, socially-conscious lyrics, mesmerizing instrumentation, and powerfully effective vocal lines, all of which show how talented both guitarist Karl Groom and synth-wizard Richard West are as song writers. "Return Of The Thought Police" is a chilling mid-paced cracker, "Staring At The Sun" is a positive look at trifling circumstances, and "Don't Look Down" feeds its uplifting message through post-Thrash riffs and Neo Prog melodies. "The Hours" is the biggest throwback to their previous album, while the devastating "Coda" is everything Threshold have been and more. There is not a moment wasted on this thing; it collects a magnificent set of songs that once heard will never be forgotten. Threshold have not only created the album of their career with March Of Progress; they have also served up the best 2012 has to offer. Miss it at your peril.