Ajalon

Item: On the Threshold of Eternity
Author: Barry Nothstine

On the Threshold of Eternity

(2005)

Reviewed by Barry Nothstine

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL YouTube Music

Label Threshing Floor RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2005

art rock progressive rock

Christian progressive rockers, Ajalon, have returned from a too-long hiatus with a powerful new release, On the Threshold of Eternity. On the Threshold of Eternity features nine tracks of prog-rock goodness with a tasty melodic pop center. Multi-instrumentalist Randy George (of the Neal Morse band), vocalist Wil Henderson, and drummer Dan Lile are a progressive power trio who know how to write a captivating song with enough instrumental touches to satisfy folks who like more to their music than top 40 radio has to offer. The addition of some very talented guests (Phil Keaggy on guitar & vocals, Neal Morse on vocals & Rick Wakeman of Yes on keyboards) provides an added dimension to an already solid release.

Standout cuts include the Celtic-flavored instrumental opener "Anthem of the Seventh Day," the classic praise of "Psalm 61" (a song that provokes an immediate spirit of worship in my heart!), and the climactic epic title masterpiece (featuring a great duet with Neal Morse). Henderson's vocals are smooth as silk and remind me of Phil Keaggy (this is evident in their duet). Production is clean and powerful, and the classy keyboard and guitar instrumental bits are abundant on Threshold. Capping off the CD is a superb cover of "You and Me" from the Moody Blues' classic Seventh Sojourn CD.

Fans of progressive rock will love this one. In fact, fans of just about ANY type of melodic Christian or mainstream rock will enjoy this. My wife even likes this!