Pure Prog Power

For almost four decades, British progressive metal kings Threshold have consistently delivered material of the highest quality. In 2026, they will celebrate a major anniversary. With the “Hypothetical – 25th Anniversary Tour”, we will have the pleasure of hearing one of the strongest albums by the band from southern England. Naturally, there will also be further classics and fan favourites from the Threshold catalogue, as well as a first-class special guest in support.

They are the uncrowned kings of British prog metal. Founded in southern England in 1988 by guitarist Karl Groom, Threshold were a unique undertaking from the very beginning. Driven by youthful confidence and energy, the band quickly developed into Britain’s leading force in progressive metal. Almost four decades have now passed, and Threshold are still holding their own at the top of the scene. From early works such as “Wounded Land” (1993) and “Psychedelicatessen” (1994) to their triumph with more recent successful albums such as “For The Journey” (2014), “Legends Of The Shires” (2017) and most recently “Dividing Lines” (2022), the band have consistently demonstrated their impressive songwriting abilities, which have never been influenced by fleeting trends. Threshold therefore remains a driving force within the genre.

In 2001, Threshold released one of their most important albums with their fifth studio full-length, “Hypothetical”. Metal.de was moved to deliver a review of superlatives: “‘Hypothetical’ is the most brilliant progressive metal album to have come my way in two years. Even Ayreon’s latest double album cannot match it. And ‘Hypothetical’ is by no means a CD only for musicians. The songs are so catchy and melodic that even ‘ordinary’ listeners should have no trouble getting to grips with the material.” This is what primarily sets the band apart from their great American colleagues Dream Theater: while the latter typically go big and flashy in an American manner, flaunting their virtuosity at every opportunity, Threshold use their instrumental abilities on “Hypothetical” with understated British flair to deliver one great song after another. In 2026, this milestone will already be 25 years old. More than enough reason to honour this timeless opus with a tour and dive once again into the fascinating sonic world of “Hypothetical”.

Ancient Curse have stood for progressive power metal with sharp riffs, epic melodies and complex arrangements since the 1990s. The band from Bremen gained international attention with the song “Plastic Tears”, which became a number-one hit in Cuba. With their current album “Dimension 5”, the group make a powerful comeback.

Course Of Fate combine progressive metal elements with a dark atmosphere, strong melodies and a modern sound. The Norwegian band evolved from classic prog influences à la Dream Theater and Queensrÿche into a distinctive style somewhere between heaviness, groove and emotional depth. With their current album “Behind The Eclipse”, Course Of Fate present themselves darker and more powerful than ever.