ALBUM REVIEW: Liquid Tension Experiment 3 – Liquid Tension Experiment

The last 12 months have been an unpredictable and crazy time for everyone as we still continue to navigate the roadmap to normality and if the music industry had collectively constructed a list of things least likely to happen in 2021 you could imagine the return of progressive metal supergroup LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT would have been in amongst it. Their triumphant return after multiple decades of dormancy is now upon us as Liquid Tension Experiment 3 is due for release on April 16th via Inside Out Music. Try to contain your excitement!

If you thought a 20 year gap between releases may have left the quartet a little rusty or off the pace then you couldn’t be more misinformed. Hypersonic surges out of the gates like a speeding bullet with a frantic wave of chaos that gives you a stark reminder of just what this band of legendary musicians are capable of. The snappy drumming, twisting and turning riffs and bamboozling keyboard licks feel all so familiar like not a single step has been lost. Throw in some delightful harmonies and enticing grooves into the mix and it doesn’t take long to realise what an absolute pleasure it is to witness the return of LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT. Rather than trying to throw you into the eye of the storm, Beating The Odds takes more of a straight forward approach in the early going. As it progresses the stunning instances of masterful technicality begin to become more apparent, with every member being given the opportunity to shine and present their unique flair. Liquid Evolution adopts a calmer, soothing demeanour, luring you into its grasp with subtle yet effective melodies that whisk you away on a tranquil sea of escapism.

The Passage Of Time kicks it up a gear with energetic riffing that gets your blood pumping. It is a testament to the quality and talent contained within this collective that they can choose to either go hell bent, firing notes at you from all directions or perform at a more leisurely pace and still have your jaw swinging by your ankles with the sheer amount of impressive layers and shifts in tempo which are brought to the table. You get so encapsulated in what is unfolding that minutes just seem to disappear. Long term fans of the band will appreciate the return of the tongue in cheek song title series as Chris & Kevin’s Amazing Oddysey allows for Mike Portnoy and Tony Levin to flex their muscles as the duo join forces to create an intriguing soundscape that some may find utterly perplexing to comprehend. Rhapsody In Blue brings further diverse eccentricity to the forefront with a broad range of tones and sensations to heighten your senses. Chopping and changing aplenty keeps you guessing as to where the mad musical geniuses will venture to next as the craziness begins to get into full swing. Just sit back and take in the unshackled mastery on display.

Shades Of Hope possesses a somewhat solemn yet endearing undertone that feels instantly relatable, showing the power of music without any requirement for lyrical narrative. The established feeling of sentimentality flows through into the finale Key To The Imagination. Just as you begin to settle into what is unfolding, the theatricality and energy levels begin to rise in intensity once more. This track takes you on a captivating journey of emotions as it shifts in pacing and delivery, keeping you guessing throughout every second. Elements of enticing heaviness and vivid brightness combine effortlessly to round this release off in impressive fashion.

It may have taken a global pandemic to allow their schedules (and the stars) to align to make this possible but to witness the return of what many deemed to be an unlikely reassembly has been a true joy to behold. Whilst many are well aware of just how adept at their craft these four musicians are you can’t help but be blown away by the sheer creative strength of LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT. This release cements their position as one of the greatest, most influential instrumental bands on the planet and, even after a 20-year hiatus, they are still absolutely untouchable.

Rating: 10/10

Liquid Tension Experiment 3 is out now via InsideOut Music

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