Liquid Tension Experiment 2
Liquid Tension Experiment · 1999
73 min · 8 tracks · progressive metal
An improvisational showcase where intricate musicianship intertwines with exploratory soundscapes, pushing the boundaries of progressive metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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When the Water Breaks — This expansive track exemplifies the band's improvisational prowess, featuring shifting tempos and intricate solos that evolve organically throughout its lengthy runtime.
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Acid Rain — The opening track sets a dynamic tone with its frenetic energy and showcases the band's technical skill, blending melodic lines with aggressive rhythms seamlessly.
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Another Dimension — This piece explores atmospheric soundscapes while maintaining intricate musical dialogue between instruments, encapsulating the essence of the band's collaborative spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album excels in musicianship and improvisation, making it a standout in progressive metal.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep improvisation and exploration of musical themes.
- Each track often shifts dynamics abruptly, moving from intricate solos to collective jamming, which keeps the listener engaged.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- layered, dense sonic textures
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 15, 1999, Liquid Tension Experiment 2 was the follow-up to the band's self-titled debut from 1998. This album came during a period of heightened collaboration among its members, including notable musicians like John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy, who were simultaneously involved in Dream Theater's evolving sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dream Theater· Symphony X· Animals as Leaders
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Acid Rain 6:36
- 2 Biaxident 7:41
- 3 914 4:01
- 4 Another Dimension 9:50
- 5 When the Water Breaks 16:57
- 6 Chewbacca 13:35
- 7 Liquid Dreams 10:50
- 8 Hourglass 4:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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