Why changing what has proved its worth? Two years after legendary Dead Reckoning Tour British prog heroes THRESHOLD share stage again with Austrians finest melodic metallers SERENITY. At both everybody’s eagerly awaiting a new record. Hopes goes for 2010 release for THRESHOLD, SERENITY already confirmed their third full-length ;) Ok, then let’s hit the road towards Essen, finally to Zeche Carl again, and let’s see if we already get pleased with some new songs…

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Weather is autumnal but mild and I arrive on time at Zeche Carl. The evening got opened by a French band with an almost unpronounceable name :: SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE :: Never heard of them before but it’s also the very first tour for these cats hailing from Nice. What is strange, because they are already around for quite some time and with three records under their belts. Anyways, the gents seemed to be somewhat nervous but luckily singer Franck Garcia was brimming of French charm and Spanish temperament and could so play down his insecurity in performance and language. As for this key wiz Fred Colombo obviously had some German lessons and took over the one and the other announcement. Of course with this special and so lovesome accent ;) The venue was already well-filled and SUE were likewise well-received. Imagine a heavier but less technical version of Dream Theater and Symphony X with a great and variable voice. I was impressed. Really great show! And now I have to grab me the band’s latest record Unreal.
Setlist: White Willow, Down Memory Lane, Lakeside Park, 3rd Type, Neptune's Revenge

Quick change-over and a beer later :: SERENITY :: entered the stage and were almost frenetically welcomed. Wow! Seems like thy really have left an impact on the last tour! However, one year ago, one year away, SERENITY have released their sophomore entitled Fallen Sanctuary, which got likewise raving reviews as the debut record. As already mentioned, the Tyroleans are working on new stuff but as for now, no new song was played but they made it up with overwhelming energy and enthusiasm. The feedback was really amazing, making the guys smile and having a great time on stage. These cats are soooo likeable ;) Great show!
Setlist: Reduced To Nothingness, Rust Of Coming Ages, Coldness Kills, Fairytales, Sheltered (By The Obscure), Velatum, Engraved Within

And likewise likeable are :: THRESHOLD :: Singer Damian Wilson was brimming of energy and charm and made the girls legts turn to jelly ;) The Brits surprisingly kicked off with a very old song from the debut Wounded Land (Consume To Live) and then went through their entire history. There was an old/new song played entitled Smile At The Moon. It’s a very old song that was never released so far and now renewed. A wonderful song causing gooseflesh! The official set got closed with Sliptstream, the great hymn of the last record Dead Reckoning, and with two encores to follow. The sound was bombastic and so was show and mood at the Zeche Carl. Unbelievable! Crowd couldn’t get enough and was screaming for more and more. No comparison to the show two years ago at the soundkilling Matrix. THRESHOLD truly make addictive!
Yes, it was a great, a wonderful evening, much more since I could share this show with two dear colleagues I haven’t seen for a while :)
Setlist: Consume To Live, Fighting For Breath, Stop Dead, Part Of The Chaos, Avalon, One Degree Down, Critical Mass, Smile At The Moon, The Art Of Reason, Long Way Home, Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams, Slipstream // Mission Profile, Paradox

story & pics © Dajana