During the final years of the 20th century, then Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy founded an instrumental prog rock supergroup with guitarist/bandmate John Petrucci, keyboardist Jordan Rudess (then of Dixie Dregs), and King Crimson bassist/Chapman Stick master Tony Levin. They issued two highly acclaimed studio outings and toured through 2008. Apparently, the mandatory downtime imposed by the global COVID-19 pandemic provided the individuals with the necessary scheduling space to write and record together for the first time in 22 years. Socially distanced in a New York studio, the band composed and recorded LTE3 in July 2020…

In modern-day progressive rock, it seems as though there is a new supergroup every few weeks. But long before this was the norm, and before musicians were routinely involved in more than one band, there was Liquid Tension Experiment. Back in 1997, Mike Portnoy (Transatlantic, Sons of Apollo), John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), and Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel), joined forces to create Liquid Tension Experiment. The foursome would release their iconic, self-titled debut album in 1998 and the dazzling follow-up, LTE2 in 1999, creating a dynamic, frantic, and inventive sound all their own. The incredible creativity between the collective would prompt Petrucci and Portnoy to invite Rudess to join Dream Theater, effectively marking the end of this side project…

A sort of instrumental prog-rock/prog-metal supergroup, Liquid Tension Experiment features Dream Theater's John Petrucci (guitar) and Mike Portnoy (drums), keyboardist Jordan Rudess (who has worked with the Dixie Dregs and has since joined Dream Theater), and bassist extraordinaire Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, and many others).
The second LTE album doesn't contain anything quite as self-indulgent as its predecessor's chops-heavy half-hour jam session "Three Minute Warning"; the epic piece here, the 17-minute "When the Water Breaks," is much more composed and therefore focused (even if it's not what you'd call a tight listen). Elsewhere, the music blends Dream Theater-esque progressive metal (logically) and spontaneous interaction with mellower, more lushly textured pieces; the high level of musicianship is, of course, beyond question.

Think of it this way: wrap Dream Theater in with King Crimson and add just a pinch of The Dixie Dregs and you have the Liquid Tension Experiment. Loads of great guitar (John Petrucci) with electrifying solos and strong incredible guitar riffs, Superb Bass (Tony Levin), Heavy duty keys (Jordan Rudess) and deadly and accurate drumming (Mike Portnoy). This is an all instrumental release from the Magna Carta label and is perhaps their best yet. This album offers a wide range of moods, but generally is progressive driving prog at its finest. It is far more progressive and less Metal-prog as Dream Theater so don't worry… you will be amazed. The best part of the CD is the last 23 min epic track "3 Minute Warning". This is pure inprov and has not been overdubbed in any way… it is pure magic and pure prog. Hold onto your seats you are in for a wild ride.