Clone cover

Clone

Threshold · 1998

58 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

A sprawling journey through progressive metal, blending intricate melodies with philosophical themes and dynamic instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Freaks — Opening with a powerful energy, Freaks sets the tone for the album with its aggressive riffs and reflective lyrics about societal outcasts. This track encapsulates the band's ability to blend heaviness with emotional depth.
  • →
    Angels — Angels showcases Threshold's signature melodic approach, juxtaposing soaring vocals with intricate instrumental arrangements. Its introspective lyrics delve into themes of loss and hope, making it a standout piece.
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    Goodbye Mother Earth — This track exemplifies the band's progressive tendencies, featuring shifting time signatures and layered harmonies. The environmental themes resonate deeply, reflecting a growing concern for nature during the late '90s.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and thematic depth typical of progressive metal but lacks standout production elements.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended track lengths, with several songs exceeding six minutes, allowing for complex arrangements and thematic development.
  • Lyrical themes explore philosophical concepts, with songs like 'Goodbye Mother Earth' addressing environmental issues, which adds depth to the overall narrative.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like emotional peaks
  • intricate melodies for deep focus
  • narrative-driven listening experience
  • immersive journey through sound

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone radio hits

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, Clone was Threshold's fourth studio album, following the acclaimed Psychedelicatessen. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity within the progressive metal scene, showcasing their matured sound and lyrical depth after a series of lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors
Symphony X· Dream Theater· Fates Warning

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Freaks 5:22
  • 2 Angels 6:42
  • 3 The Latent Gene 8:00
  • 4 Lovelorn 5:42
  • 5 Change 4:33
  • 6 Life’s Too Good 5:27
  • 7 Goodbye Mother Earth 7:57
  • 8 Voyager II 9:04
  • 9 Sunrise on Mars 5:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata