Liquid Tension Experiment

Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental rock project consisting of Dream Theater members John Petrucci (guitar), Jordan Rudess

Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental rock project consisting of Dream Theater members John Petrucci (guitar), Jordan Rudess (keyboard), and Mike Portnoy (drums), as well as progressive rock icon Tony Levin (bass, Chapman Stick) of King Crimson. The combo was formed as a side project to Dream Theater in 1998 (though some theorise that Rudess was asked to join the band largely because of the success of the Liquid Tension Experiment, he had already declined a previous offer to join in 1994, instead becoming a member of the Dixie Dregs). The band played fast, fusion-based pieces similar to those of Dream Theater, if somewhat more jazzy, and (almost entirely) devoid of vocals.

Liquid Tension Experiment is often referred to as one of the most skilled supergroups in history, mainly for their songs Paradigm Shift and Acid Rain that open each of their two albums with ultra-fast and efficient riffs. Some argue that the success of Liquid Tension Experiment was mainly due to the bass espresso of Tony Levin coupled with the fast riffs of John Petrucci.