LIALIM HIGH

As one can see by the artwork cover we are flying into neo prog fantasy wonderland and I got to exchange my CD the next day (after two listening) for free. So I won't get mean with them, and not say anymore or else ......

But it appears that with rule changes, for this review to appear, I must extend the review to fill the 200 character rule (Hi Bob ;-). So here goes: With Liliam High, Twin Age went on where they had left off previously and furthered on with the Genesis-loaded neo-prog. Not unpleasant, of course, but pointless, as there must hundreds of these albums around in the archives. I cannot even say that their Swedish roots give them that special melancholic edge that so many Scandinavian group seem to have as second nature.

The Swedish Gothenburg based symphonic band TWIN AGE started out as a metal band named ILLUSORY DAWN. When they changed their musical direction they took the name ALTAIR and finally in 1996 they became TWIN AGE.

This is their second release, the follow up to the excellent debut album "Month of the Year" (1996). Their music is reminiscent to early GENESIS and FISH-era MARILLION, and the vocals are reminiscent to Peter Nicholls (I.Q.). Not as good as GENESIS though, but TWIN AGE has created their own sound that is good in it's own right. They are using the Mellotron sound frequently to great satisfaction.

Highly recommended!

<<< COMPULSORY >>> A masterpiece that every progster must have. Complexe rythms, aerian atmosphere, beautiful themes, etc. Very inspired from the begining to the end. Moreover Twin Age has its own sounding, no plagia. I would take this album on an island. Now it's your turn: go urgently to your music retailer and buy this CD. Nothing more to say.

A masterpiece! Highy recommended to all those who listen to well performed NPR (Arena, Collage, Sattelite, Clepsydra, and many others) . Very melodic, very nice guitars, very 'moving' music... very... everything about Lialim High is 'very' good. I immediately ordered 'Month Of The Year' right after listening the first time to Lialim High.

I bought this without hearing any of the music at all, simply on the off chance that it might be decent, having heard they were in the 'Genesis School'. Well, I wouldn't say they were really in that school, and the vocals are a million miles away from Gabriel. At times they can sound strained, and it took me some time to get used to them. However, the album is an enjoyable listen, although I only play it now and again. The songs are all similar, and add a queer cohesiveness to the album. Musically they are quite pleasant, and the keyboards in particular are quite impressive at times, being a tad like Tony Banks in parts. The guitar is not really Hackettesque, although there are a couple of pieces which are vaguely reminiscent of the maestro himself. No outstanding tracks here, but also no bad ones. A consistently decent offering. The last track is an instrumental, and could possibly be my favourite, if forced to choose, but then again, I could select any of them, depending which way the wind blows (to almost quote Mr Anthony Phillips). I wouldn't say this band sound very strongly like any other band. Certainly not Marillion. Maybe a little like IQ at times. Still, I would recommend it to anyone who likes competent, easy listening prog, as long as one can adapt to Mr Hansson's somewhat unusual voice. Worth a listen. I give it here three stars, but, if in the mood, I could push that up to four.

3.4 stars out of 5

After hearing some tantalising snippets of this album some months ago, I was finally able to lay my hands on a copy. I was intrigued by the very mid-70's Genesis style sound and arrangements. On getting a full listen, I certainly wasn't disappointed in that aspect!

Twin Age on this outing are obviously setting out to recreate that now familiar 12- string/mellotron sound that worked with such great effect on albums like A Trick Of The Tail, and its something they do extremely well. Although the whole album is made up of original material, there's absolutely no doubting where the influence has come from. If mid-70s Genesis is your thing, then this album is definitely worth a listen.

My one criticism is directed towards the vocals of lead singer Johan Hansson. Hansson's vocals are at times very similar to Coldplay's Chris Martin (that's not the criticism, although I'm sure some of you might count that against him). My problem with his sound is that he always seems to be singing right at the very edge of his range. This album could have been so much better had the vocals arrangements been toned down occasionally, going for a more subtle, muted approach to compliment the more strained sections.

That having been said, this is still a very good album. Worth more than 3 stars, but not quite enough to entice me to tick the 4 star box.

This is an excellent, solid, symphonic prog album, with melodic guitar backed by a lush keyboard sound. At times, I find that Twin Age sound a little like Pendragon, but they have their own style. It is an enjoyable listen fron the symphonic opening of the superb 'Twelve Feet Tall' to the fine closing instrumental. The two long tracks are excellent examples of symphonic prog epics with changes of mood and tempo. The vocals are strained and a bit tuneless at times but the vocal lines are often melodic, and beautifully backed by guitar and keyboards.

Don't expect anything original here, but the quality is high. Finally, I've often been bewildered by prog lyrics, but these take the prize! I haven't the foggiest clue what they are about! Still, the music is good!

With such a great debut and Progressive Rock constantly on the rise again, it was rather a surprise that Twin Age were not picked up by a major label.Maybe because the band was way too creative at this point and followed instantly ''Month of the year'' with another album, ''Lialim high''.The quintet from Goethenburg recorded it at the dawn of 97' again at the Studioljudet in their hometown and released it the same year privately under the Altair label.

If ''Month of the year'' was a really good work, this is simply a killer album, where everything flows in perfection and the performances are trully unmistakable.With a couple of very long tracks, one should expect the group to fall in the trap of numerous bands wanting to create epics, but it was apparently the time of Twin Age's creative peak.Excellent GENESIS-influenced Neo/Symphonic Rock with tons of impressive atmospheres, deepy emotional vocals and melodramatic arrangements, highlighted by a very busy drummer, a superb guitarist and one of the most talented keyboardists ever to meet in such kind of a group.Tremendous solos with deep, symphonic keyboards and rapid changes in tempos and climates, while there is a certain theatrical twist in the process.Excellent use of synthesizers, creating orchestral soundscapes, and you should add doses of flute strings around to offer the needed retro vibe in the work.There are also some very good acoustic breaks with beautiful organ themes around and plenty of delicate piano interludes.The songwriting as a result is pretty amazing.Dense musicianship supported by marvelous singing lines and extended instrumental textures with a wide color palette.Impressive to say the least.

You can't go wrong with ''Lialim high''.Not only among the finest Neo Prog releases ever but additionally among the best album of the whole 90'.Masterpiece status, more than highly recommended...4.5 stars upgraded.

It's discovering albums like this that make searching for Prog so worthwhile. This is a good example of why I like Neo-Prog so much. The vocals alone move me a lot. Some say he (Johan Hansson) sounds a lot like Peter Nicholls from IQ, and there is maybe some similarity, all I know is that he sings with such conviction and emotion. The music reminds me of early GENESIS and MARILLION with the focus squarely on the vocals.

"Twelve Feet Tall" opens with mellotron and synths with drums arriving a minute in. The mellotron continues. Vocals 2 minutes in.Tasteful guitar follows. The vocals stop 5 minutes in as the synths become prominant. Mellotron before 7 1/2 minutes followed by vocals. The vocals are quite passionate during the final minute. "Blinded" opens with gentle guitar and reserved vocals.Beautiful sound. It's so moving after 1 1/2 minutes and before 3 minutes.The is GENESIS inspired wonder. A tasteful guitar solo as vocals stop before 4 minutes. Vocals return with mellotron a minute later. This is my favourite song on here.

"The Pelican Lie" opens with prominant drums before it settles down with mellotron and guitar, then synths join in. Vocals follow. Great sound 2 1/2 minutes in as guitar takes the lead. Lots of mellotron 5 minutes in and throughout.. Vocals stop 6 minutes in as guitar and drums take the lead. Vocals are back a minute later as it calms down with mellotron. Back to full sound 10 1/2 minutes in.Themes are repeated in this 14 plus minute track. "Famous Last Words" opens with lots of piano before giving way to guitar and drums. Synths follow. It settles as those great vocals come in. I like the drumming when the vocals stop 3 minutes in. Check out the passionate vocals and guitar 6 minutes in. Mellotron late. Nice. "A Sign Of Decline" is led by gentle guitar until the tempo picks up with drums and synths. Vocals follow. Mellotron before 5 minutes. Lots of synths until a calm with mellotron before 7 1/2 minutes to the end. "The Final Decision" is led by solid sounding drums and synths throughout this closing instrumental.

A very solid 4 stars from me for this special album.

It's a very good reference for neo-prog music...

I have known the band for such a long time, dated back in early 2000, I think. But only recently I have a chance to enjoy the music through this 'Lialim High' released in 1997. As this band has been labeled as neo-prog my expectation was to hear a music that shares similar style like Marillion, IQ, Pallas or Pendragon. But when I first listened to the opening track 'Twelve Feet Tall' (11:00) I could not truly believe that I was going to listen to a neo-prog tune because the energetic drum work reminds me to progressive metal kind of music. It's so dynamic and it moves smoothly from one segment to another. Yeah, I finally found the neo-prog characteristics in the music especially when the keyboard and guitar play in intertwined role. This opening track impressed me at first spin as it has all ingredients of excellent composition: dynamic structure where it combines high and low register notes nicely, catchy overall melody, seamless transition of one segment to another and balanced combination of instruments used. Yes, the guitar is quite aggressive but it merges beautifully with the work of the keyboard. One thing that creates excellent accentuation for the song is the dynamic drum work. Johan Hansson also performs his vocals excellently throughout the song. His vocal characteristic is like a blend of Peter Nichols (IQ) and Nick Barrett (Pendragon). I have no doubts at all to rate this track as an excellent one (four stars) because it deserves it.

The second track 'Blinded' (5:58) positions itself as a mellow track demonstrating vocal melody and keyboard work. At first spin I did not find this track interesting because it sounded like an 'unfinished' song as the melody notes did not sound completed, there was something missing in the notes. But with more spin I find this tune is interesting as well. The longest track 'The Pelican Lie' (14:23) also moves in relatively slow tempo, demonstrating good combination of vocal as lead melody, guitar solo and keyboard solo. You might get bored with this song. But if you really enjoy the song in its entirety, you may find that their music is able to create good ambient especially for those who have been familiar with symphonic music.

'Famous Last Words' (7:40) runs in similar vein with previous track but in a faster tempo. The guitar and keyboard contribute significantly to provide fills. 'A Sign Of My Decline' (8:40) starts with an exploration of sounds. The song then turns energetic as it moves in approx two minutes. Carl Johan Kilborn (keyboard) plays important role.

Overall, I consider this as a very good album to have, combining nicely the three components in their compositions: excellent structure, catchy melodies and balanced use of instruments even though keyboard & guitar are quite obvious in interlude or solo. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercymild ? GW

Twin Age is a swedish neo prog band who beggins their career in the early '90's. Lialim high is their second album from 1997 and is made , composed and played in pure neo prog tradition - mid tempo pieces, all of them, clean and smooth vocal parts and lush guitar arrangements. I have the Cd since was released 12 years ago, I've listened couple of times then, but only 5 years ago I decided to give the lalbum a proper chance and relisten since then once or twice a year. My conclusion is made now is a good album but non essential. As other reviewers said , while the music is good and has some shiney moments here and there, they sound like other dozens of neo prog band who apper in that period, thats is not a bad thing. The music is to predictable and doesn't have high points, doesn't burst, is a flat album. The album is a little to long and easely can lose the core if you wan't listen at least couple of times, the pieces flows one to each other, but again they don't burst, not even in places, is a linear album with pleasent vocals. The best piecees, what can I say, all or not one of them, this is kinda of album that you love it or leave it. I will give 3 stars, while is good is miles away from other neo prog albums. Similar bands Jadis or Pendragon.

A decent companion piece to their previous album, Twin Age's Lialim High continues the band's exploration of Genesis-influenced neo-prog with a hint of the distinctive style of IQ. Particular props this time have to go to Carl Johan Kilborn, whose keyboard work is a good evocation of the 1970s sound whilst also incorporating a few modern keyboard sounds in more tastefully than many bands have managed to. Whilst I still don't care for the vocals, they seem to be a bit more confident and self-assured than on the previous album, so they're less of an issue this time. If you like neo-prog at all this is a pretty decent pick.

How difficult it is to earn a place of respect and acceptance in the world of art music, especially progressive field!

After editing a more than acceptable debut, the band wrote and recorded this excellent album. Which was received with great indifference, considering the quality. Obviously, the band sound wrapped in a diverse and discernible influence of other gender. Beyond that, it sounds dynamic, balanced, flexible, and more originality than other projects that have received much more attention.

This could not better start with Twelve Feet Tall, led by Kilborn prowess on keyboards and the distinctive voice of Johan Hansson. The Pelican Lie is the other track that is over 10 minutes long, and includes good melodies and performances too, a suite with energetic and gentle passages. The remaining songs follow the same pattern, albeit a bit shorter, highlighting Famous Last Words as superior.

Hansson Jorgen's work on drums is remarkable, as guitars executed by Löwenadler. Do not dismiss after a couple of auditions, is an album that I enjoy for more than 10 years and is worth paying attention to.

Influenced by the prog prime time, these West coast Swedes let creativity and quality song writing flow for this record, with a truly intricate result. I cannot resist the progressive pace and swirling sense of 'Twelve Feet Tall'. Instrumental interplay is here at a high where the mellotron background and especially the genoiusly composed keyboard melodies make this song an earboggling epic. 'Famous Last Words' and 'Sign of my Decline' are other favourites, while 'The Pelican Lie' is a bit more repetitive with a higher rate of unmelodic vocals. Overall, the emotional vocals add to the uniqueness of the band's sound, despite lacking rich resonance. But the instrumental parts with distinct synchronous synth and guitar melodies are clearly the best parts of the album, the essence in this rather majestic masterpiece.