Ontario’s Threat Signal are a purer strain of metalcore than many of their American counterparts. Generally offering a thrashy, melodic death metal sound with a dose of hardcore influence, Threat Signal are far more akin to the bands of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement than the breakdown obsessed, auto tuned scene that is more commonly associated with the metalcore genre. Though Threat Signal made waves in the mid-2000s, a seemingly endless procession of line-up changes and behind-the-scenes problems left the band unable to really break onto the world stage – their relative absence from the metal scene’s forefront in the six years following their 2011 self-titled opus has not helped. However, Threat Signal are back armed with a new record deal with Agonia Records and a highly anticipated new record – ‘Disconnect’.
Opening with “Elimination Process”, ‘Disconnect’ lulls the listener into a false sense of security. The first 25 seconds are soft and melodic, immediately associating the track with an atmospheric intro that has become almost a standard addition to any album. This melody is short lived however, with Threat Signal driving into a section of pure thrash that ends all too quickly. The sheer aural violence on display throughout the entirety of “Elimination Process” stands as a declaration – Threat Signal know they must prove their relevance after such a long absence, and they are more than up to the challenge.
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Lead single “Exit the Matrix” stands as one of ‘Disconnect’s’ finest moments, swapping out the chuggy riffs displayed in abundance on the preceding tracks “Nostalgia” and “Walking Alone” in favour of a more thrash-focused brand of guitar work. Complete with super-melodic leads and an utterly huge chorus, “Exit the Matrix” is set to be a fan favourite when Threat Signal start touring for the record.
The second half of ‘Disconnect’ is were Threat Signal really shine. With the epic, almost proggy in places “Aura” leading into the melancholic “Betrayal” and album highlight “To Thine Own Self Be True”, ‘Disconnect’ begins to feel a bit more cohesive, and as a singular piece of work rather than a collection of individual songs. Closing on a strong note, Threat Signal conclude their return to form with the 10 minute epic “Terminal Madness”. “Terminal Madness” is a journey, showcasing the stunning vocal work, soaring leads and tight musicianship Threat Signal displayed throughout ‘Disconnect’ in a near-perfectly executed, gargantuan package. Standing as one of the most ambitious tracks the band has ever penned, it rivals “Exit the Matrix” and “To Thine Own Self Be True” for ‘Disconnect’s’ best song.
The only real issue with ‘Disconnect’ is abundantly obvious from even a casual first listen. It is clear resident axemen Travis Montgomery and Matt Perrin have some serious chops – ‘Disconnect’ is loaded from start to finish with excellent soloing, some beautiful melodies, little atmospheric flourishes and some awesome riffing. But the record also has far more than its fair share of riffs that are nothing more than beatdown chugging, which stands as a disservice to the musicianship displayed by the guitarists, and indeed the rest of Threat Signal, throughout ‘Disconnect’. If a bit more creativity and imagination had been used in the riff work, it would have pushed ‘Disconnect’ from a good album to an excellent one.
Though Threat Signal are too reliant on chug-focused riffing, taken as a whole, ‘Disconnect’ is a diverse and solid return. When not hammering out beatdown chugs, the guitar work is extremely enticing, and Jon Howard’s vocals are better than ever – his clean singing in particular sounds massive. Dancing between pure, unrestrained aggression and soft, melodic and hook-filled passages seemingly effortlessly, Threat Signal prove that despite their leave of absence, they are still relevant in today’s metal scene.