Biography

Richard West is a British musician, songwriter and author whose creative life has been shaped by an early and enduring love of popular music. Growing up in the 1980s, he became captivated by the UK singles chart, tuning in each week to absorb the sounds, stories and shifting trends of the era. Those broadcasts sparked a fascination that would guide his future, planting the idea that one day he might contribute to the very world he was listening to so intently.

That ambition took root in the early 1990s when West joined the progressive metal band Threshold as keyboard player… continue reading

Oblivion Protocol

At its best, prog can be a safe haven from the storm outside, a soothing experience with healing and escapist qualities. Genuine musicianship, pure emotion and a penchant for supreme melody make this music a journey, an experience for which records and headphones were invented in the first place.

Richard West, known for more than three decades as keyboardist and songwriter for British prog metal band Threshold, extends that tradition with his new project, Oblivion Protocol. Developed as a continuation of the narrative world introduced on Legends of the Shires, the band’s debut album The Fall of the Shires explores… continue reading

Maybe a Writer

Written during 2021 and 2022, Richard West’s autobiography provides the definitive account of the career of one of prog metal’s key bands, Threshold.

Richard West never imagined that he would spend 30 years as the keyboardist with British progressive metal standard bearers Threshold. From his first rehearsal with the band in a damp, neglected village hall, to touring with Dream Theater and sharing huge outdoor festival bills with rock legends including Whitesnake, West has been at the heart of Threshold since 1993 and has become one of its driving forces… continue reading