Legends of the Shires
Threshold · 2017
82 min · 14 tracks · progressive metal
Epic progressive metal landscapes weave intricate narratives through soaring melodies and complex rhythms, encapsulating both power and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Man Who Saw Through Time — This track stands out for its expansive narrative structure and intricate instrumentation, capturing the essence of the album's thematic focus on perception and reality.
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Trust the Process — With its driving rhythm and motivational lyrics, this track embodies the album's exploration of perseverance amidst challenges, making it a standout anthem within the record.
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Lost in Translation — This song's emotional depth and complex arrangement highlight the band's mastery of blending lyrical poignancy with progressive metal elements, serving as a powerful centerpiece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's ambitious storytelling and intricate compositions create a strong progressive metal experience.
What we noticed
- The album features three distinct tracks titled 'The Shire, Part 1', 'Part 2', and 'Part 3', creating a thematic arc throughout the record.
- Several tracks exceed six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages that explore complex rhythms and melodic development.
- The narrative structure is emphasized by interludes and transitions that connect the songs, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 storytelling through music
- epic peaks and valleys
- immersive journey in two halves
- thoughtful exploration of themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2017, 'Legends of the Shires' is Threshold's eighth studio album and marks a significant return after a four-year hiatus. This release showcases a lineup shift with new vocalist Glynn Morgan rejoining the band, contributing to a renewed creative energy that blends their classic sound with fresh ideas.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Symphony X· Dream Theater· Fates Warning
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Trust the Process
A pivotal moment occurs when the lyrics shift to address personal resilience directly, invoking a sense of determination against adversity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 The Shire, Part 1 2:03
- 2 Small Dark Lines 5:24
- 3 The Man Who Saw Through Time 11:51
- 4 Trust the Process 8:44
- 5 Stars and Satellites 7:20
- 6 On the Edge 5:20
Disc 2
- 1 The Shire, Part 2 5:25
- 2 Snowblind 7:03
- 3 Subliminal Freeways 4:51
- 4 State of Independence 3:38
- 5 Superior Machine 5:01
- 6 The Shire, Part 3 1:22
- 7 Lost in Translation 10:20
- 8 Swallowed 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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