Dead Reckoning cover

Dead Reckoning

Threshold · 2007

55 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

Complex arrangements intertwine heavy riffs and melodic passages, showcasing the band's signature progressive metal sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pilot in the Sky of Dreams — This track exemplifies Threshold's ability to blend epic storytelling with musical complexity, featuring soaring melodies and dynamic shifts that capture the essence of their sound.
  • →
    Fighting for Breath — With its emotionally charged lyrics and powerful instrumentation, this song highlights the band's lyrical prowess and showcases their ability to convey intense feelings through music.
  • →
    Elusive — Elusive stands out due to its intricate guitar work and rhythmic complexity, making it a prime example of the band's progressive metal style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and a polished sound, characteristic of progressive metal.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate both heavy guitar riffs and melodic vocal lines, often shifting between aggressive and softer passages within the same track.
  • The lyrics across the album explore introspective themes, with a narrative style that complements the intricate musical structures.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • soaring melodies for introspective moments
  • wave-like pacing that captivates attention
  • immersive experience for headphone listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, Dead Reckoning is Threshold's sixth studio album, following their 2004 release, Subsurface. This album arrived during a time of renewed creativity for the band, as they transitioned into a more polished sound while maintaining their progressive roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Symphony X· Dream Theater· Fates Warning

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Slipstream 4:55
  • 2 This Is Your Life 3:44
  • 3 Elusive 6:10
  • 4 Hollow 4:01
  • 5 Pilot in the Sky of Dreams 9:47
  • 6 Fighting for Breath 8:18
  • 7 Disappear 4:19
  • 8 Safe to Fly 5:08
  • 9 One Degree Down 8:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata