THRESHOLD Begins Recording New Album

British progressive metallers THRESHOLD have entered Thin Ice Studios (DRAGONFORCE, PENDRAGON) in Surrey, England to begin recording their ninth album. "We've got
about 75 minutes of music at the moment so there's plenty to do," said
keyboard player Richard West, who is producing the CD alongside guitarist Karl Groom. "I'm very pleased with the way this album is coming together," added Groom. "It is particularly good to see contributions in writing from more bandmembers."

THRESHOLD's new album marks the return of the band's original vocalist Damian Wilson (HEADSPACE, STAR ONE) who rejoined the group in 2007 following the departure of Andrew "Mac" McDermott, who sadly passed away in August.

THRESHOLD's previous studio album, "Dead Reckoning", was released in 2007 and featured guest vocals by Dan Swanö (NIGHTINGALE, BLOODBATH). The CD entered the charts at position 64 in Germany, 95 in The Netherlands and 37 in the U.K. (rock chart).

THRESHOLD's new CD will be released in early 2012 through Nuclear Blast Records.

THRESHOLD is:

Damian Wilson - Vocals
Karl Groom - Guitar
Richard West - Keyboards
Johanne James - Drums
Steve Anderson - Bass
Pete Morten - Guitar

SOURCE: RNR

More Details Revealed About Ex-THRESHOLD Singer's Passing

Andrew "Mac" McDermott, the former lead singer of U.K. progressive metallers THRESHOLD, passed away in England on Wednesday, August 3. He succumbed to kidney
failure after spending four days in a coma. He was only 45 years old.

McDermott had "serious health problems" in the months leading up to his death,
according to a June 2011 statement from the German melodic metal band POWERWORLD, with whom McDermott recorded the 2010 album "Human Parasite".

Commented THRESHOLD guitarist Karl Groom: "Mac played a large part in the story of THRESHOLD and appeared on five studio albums. He also sang on numerous fan club
releases and live albums. Although I have not seen him since 2007 for
the last video shoot in Leipzig, he still remains in our minds and there is a big sense of loss. I have spoken to and seen ex-members of the
band over the last two days who are all very saddened by this turn of
events. We remember Mac as being so vibrant and full of life, so find this news is hard to accept."

Added THRESHOLD keyboard player Richard West: "Mac had such a big personality and one of the world's greatest rock voices, it's so very sad that we lost him so young. Our thoughts and prayers
are with his family and loved ones."

Stated Ilker Ersin of POWERWORLD: "A friend is gone! We are very sad about our big loss. We can't find
the right words in this moment. Our sympathy and condolence goes to his
family. The world lost a gently, nice, honest and warm-hearted person.
We will miss him."

A condolences page has been launched at this location.

McDermott performed in clubs in England and tried to establish a band there in
his early years before he moved to Germany to join the band SARGANT FURY. After three albums, the band dissolved and in 1998 McDermott joined THRESHOLD as lead singer, replacing Damian Wilson.

Shortly after the release of THRESHOLD's 2007 album "Dead Reckoning", McDermott left the band, resulting in Wilson's return to the group.

McDermott's most recent musical project was SWAMP FREAKS, which "took some of the cool 'n' heavy from the '70s [FREE, LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH] and mashed it up with some '90s anarchy [PEARL JAM, NIRVANA, ALICE IN CHAINS] threw in some RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and a sprinkle of punk rock," according to the band's Facebook page.

Former THRESHOLD Singer ANDREW 'MAC' MCDERMOTT Dies

Andrew "Mac" McDermott, the former lead singer of U.K. progressive metallers THRESHOLD, reportedly passed away in England yesterday (Wednesday, August 3). A condolences page has been launched at this location.

McDermott had "serious health problems" in the months leading up to his death,
according to a June 2011 statement from the German melodic metal band POWERWORLD, with whom McDermott recorded the 2010 album "Human Parasite".

"I'm very sad about our big loss," POWERWORLD bassist Ilker Ersin stated about his former bandmate's passing. "I can't find the right words in this moment."

McDermott performed in clubs in England and tried to establish a band there in
his early years before he moved to Germany to join the band SARGANT FURY. After three albums, the band dissolved and in 1998 McDermott joined THRESHOLD as lead singer, replacing Damian Wilson.

Shortly after the release of THRESHOLD's 2007 album "Dead Reckoning", McDermott left the band, resulting in Wilson's return to the group.

McDermott's most recent musical project was SWAMP FREAKS, which "took some of the cool 'n' heavy from the '70s [FREE, LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH] and mashed it up with some '90s anarchy [PEARL JAM, NIRVANA, ALICE IN CHAINS] threw in some RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and a sprinkle of punk rock," according to the band's Facebook page.

THRESHOLD To Resume Work On New Album

U.K.-based progressive metallers THRESHOLD are preparing to return to the studio to resume work on the follow-up to 2007's "Dead Reckoning" for a 2012 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD is once again being recorded at Thin Ice Studios in the U.K. with producers Karl Groom and Richard West.

"Dead Reckoning" enjoyed chart success in the U.K., Germany and Holland. THRESHOLD has since released a double album compilation, "The Ravages Of Time", and a box set entitled "Paradox - The Singles Collection".

THRESHOLD is:

Damian Wilson - Vocals
Karl Groom - Guitar
Richard West - Keyboards
Johanne James - Drums
Steve Anderson - Bass
Pete Morten - Guitar

THRESHOLD Begins Work On New Album

U.K.-based progressive metallers THRESHOLD have started writing material for the follow-up to 2007's "Dead Reckoning" for a 2011 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD will once again be recorded at Thin Ice Studios in the U.K. with producers Karl Groom and Richard West.

"Dead Reckoning" enjoyed chart success in the U.K., Germany and Holland. THRESHOLD has since released a double album compilation, "The Ravages Of Time", and a box set entitled "Paradox - The Singles Collection".

THRESHOLD has scheduled the following dates:

Mar. 24 - The Rock Temple - Kerkrade, Holland
Mar. 25 - Boerderij - Zoetermeer, Holland
Apr. 02 - Fused Festival - Lydney, UK

THRESHOLD is:

Damian Wilson - Vocals
Karl Groom - Guitar
Richard West - Keyboards
Johanne James - Drums
Steve Anderson - Bass
Pete Morten - Guitar
SOURCE: RNRCOLA

THRESHOLD, SERENITY, SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE To Team Up For 'Essence Of Progression' Tour

Progressive metallers THRESHOLD, SERENITY and SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE will team up for the first "Essence Of Progression" tour across Europe this autumn.

Austrian progressive metallers SERENITY will be THRESHOLD's special guests for the trek. They are currently promoting their second album, "Fallen Sanctuary", released in 2008 through Napalm Records. SERENITY opened for THRESHOLD during their "Live Reckoning" tour in 2007 and recently supported KAMELOT on their "Rule The World" trek.

French progressive metallers SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE will open the shows (except London). The band released its third album, "Unreal", in 2009. They have opened for acts such as SCORPIONS and ULI JON ROTH in France, and recently performed at the ProgPower Scandinavia and ProgPower USA festivals.

Commented SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE: "We are greatly honoured, proud and excited to play with such a great band we've been listening to for years."

The dates are as follows:

Oct. 29 - Essen, Germany - Zeche Carl

Oct. 30 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos Saal

Nov. 01 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7

Nov. 02 - Munich, Germany - Backstage

Nov. 04 - Wroclaw, Poland - Firlej

Nov. 05 - Reichenbach, Germany - Bergkeller (date moved)

Nov. 06 - Verviers, Belgium - Spirit of 66

Nov. 07 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands - BoerderijFor more information, visit www.essenceofprogression.com

THRESHOLD: More Dates Announced

U.K. progressive metallers THRESHOLD have scheduled the following dates:May 01 - De Pul - Uden, NetherlandsMay 02 - Biebob - Vosselaar, BelgiumMay 03 - De Kade - Zaandam, NetherlandsSep. 25-27 - Metalfest - Dudley, England

THRESHOLD's Johanne James recently won the Classic Rock Society award for "Best Drummer of 2008," retaining the title for the third year in a row.Launched in 1991, the Classic Rock Society magazine is at the forefront of classic and progressive rock music promotion around the world, keeping its members informed of all that is new, as well as informing and educating the general masses through use of its interactive web site. THRESHOLD headlined the 10th annual ProgPower Europe festival despite the fact that Johanne James dislocated his shoulder in a sporting accident.

After signing with Nuclear Blast, THRESHOLD released its eighth studio album, "Dead Reckoning", in March 2007.

THRESHOLD Confirmed For UK's METALFEST

UK progressive metallers THRESHOLD have been confirmed for the first edition of a new UK festival called Metalfest which will take place September 25-27, 2009 at JB's in Dudley. Also scheduled to appear are SWALLOW THE SUN and XANDRIA.

THRESHOLD has launched an official YouTube channel with high-quality videos, including professionally shot live footage of "Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams" and an exclusive live acoustic version of "Ground Control". The channel also includes THRESHOLD's official videos for "Innocent", "Pressure" and "Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams", as well as live footage from the band's 2003 "Critical Energy" DVD.

THRESHOLD recently headlined the 10th ProgPower Europe festival in Holland, marking its third appearance at the European edition of the worldwide ProgPower event. The band's drummer, Johanne James, performed despite recently dislocating his shoulder in a sporting accident.

MIKE/RNRCOLA