Send it to Barney, as it is...When this album was recorded it featured only two members of Dream Theater; John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy. Since then Jordan Rudess has joined the band and Mike Portnoy has quit, so a 50% DT contingent remains! The quartet is completed by bass and Chapman stick player, Tony Levin of King Crimson and Peter Gabriel fame.
It pretty much goes without saying that the level of musicianship is phenomenal, and whilst it lacks vocals, this is to my mind is a positive. The main events include three pieces of ultra melodic, action packed prog metal (Paradigm Shift, Kindred Spirits and Universal Mind) and the improv jam, Three Minute Warning. Whilst the latter actually lasts closer to 28 minutes, it gets its name from the ultimatum given to the band by Tony Levin, who was growing impatient with the other members' meticulous approach to song writing. Other highlights include Chris and Kevin's Excellent Adventure and Freedom of Speech.
If the tracks already mentioned were the only tracks on this album, then I would be quite tempted to give it five stars. However, Osmosis and The Stretch feel rushed and out of place, whilst State of Grace is downright boring.
The Verdict: Overall, a cracking debut.
Starhammer | 4/5 |
Share this LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT review
Review related links
the monkees strikeforce davy jones love actually miesha tate vs ronda rousey idiocracy deep impact
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.