AJALON - On The Threshold Of Eternity (2004)
Ajalon! A great symphonic prog band with alot of uplifting soundscapes that are very reminiscent of the
olden days of Yes and Gensis. Much like fellow symph-proggers Echolyn, they have managed to invent
a sound truly their own while maintaining a firm stand in symphonic soil. The most impressive tracks as
far as I am concerned are the first and the last; the former being a wonderful instrumental featuring
soaring guitar solos resembling more of a John Petrucci vibe than Steve Howe, as well as some
absolutely superb flute work; the latter is a true Prog Rock epic of sorts, nearly seventeen minutes in
length that changes many times along the way, just like a good old-fashioned prog song should!
Now the bad news: this band's singer has a terrible voice for this type of music. It isn't his fault, yet I do think these guys could have benefited from hiring a vocalist to join them and actually sing rather than whine in a syrupy, sickening tone that sounds like something I would hear if I turned my radio to the pop worship channel. Also, amongst the truly great progressive songs (Anthem of the Seventh Day, Sword of Goliath, What Kind of Love, Forever I Am, On the Threshold of Eternity) are several christian pop tunes that are still enjoyable, but feel VERY out of place on the record when paired up against such wonderful calliber Symphonic Prog sojourns (Though the singer's voice suits these soft rockers much better than it does the actual prog entries on the disc).
I would have given this record a four had it not been for these shortcomings. Yes folks, the music is THAT good! Truly! If you can look past some cheesy lyrics, an even cheesier singer (who I actually became used to after a few listens) and some traditional pop songs thrown in...
