The prog-metal supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment was masterminded by drummer
Mike Portnoy, the onetime drummer in Dream Theater. Determined to put together a
formidable group of bandmates, he recruited his former Dream Theater bandmate
John Petrucci to play guitar. Keyboardist Jordan Rudess joined on, as did the
revered bassist for King Crimson, Tony Levin. They first came together in 1997
in New York City and in 1998 issued their self-titled debut LP. A melodic fusion
of prog rock and metal, the album was successful enough that they issued Liquid
Tension Experiment 2 the next...