BEYOND TIME

It is hard to believe, that all instruments on "Beyond Time" are played by one man. Generally these one man projects tend to sound a bit static and not all instruments are played equally well. But this album, originally recorded in 1994 and remastered in 2010, sounds so dynamic and so very much alive. The man behind the LIFE LINE PROJECT, Erik de Beer, is playing 6 and 12 string electric & acoustic guitars, keyboards, flute, a medieval lute, bass guitar and electronic & acoustic drums. The sound on the album has a touch of the seventies, which isn't strange, because three of the compositions are written in the period 1976/1978. The album is completely instrumental and starts off like a rocket with a short overture, that returns in a different form as a finale. "Shadows of a distant past" is a beautiful symphonic rock piece with lots of changes of tempo and atmosphere. The keyboards have that full symphonic sound, to support the melodic guitar parts. The synth solos remind me a bit of the glory days of Tony Banks, perfectly played and very harmonious. A short prelude, called "Acceptance" precedes the over seventeen minutes lasting title track "Beyond Time" in which Erik shows all his skills. Several of the guitar solos are of the twin type, so loved by lots of metal bands like Iron Maiden, with two guitars playing very fast triplet scales. The more quiet parts sound very mysterious and just when you are carried away, the tempo changes and you are startled by a solid Hammond solo. I particularly liked the majestic symphonic guitars themes, which go straight to the heart. "Like Never Before" is an up tempo piece, that ends with a viruoso guitar solo, while "Liberty" is a beautiful symphonic conversation between the keyboards and lead guitar. As a bonus there are two live tracks added, played by a complete band. The sound quality is excellent and the band deliver a solid live sound. It's a pity the names of the band members are omitted in the booklet. Still it gives a good impression of the live qualities of LIFE LINE PROJECT. I think "Beyond Time" is a great album and that it's worth checking out, so four stars are well deserved. Whister.