Time Grid: Life

Time Grid is a French prog/metal band made up of team composers Steve Huber, who also plays guitar and Mathias Reusser, on vocals and keyboards. Laetitia Fontannaz, is the female vocalist; Andreas Renggli, plays keyboards; Rémy Poussier, plays drums; Pierre Sottas and Yves Marguet, play bass; and Raphael Sudan, plays keyboards.

This album opens with some powerful guitar riffs on 'Deceit', before the keyboards kick in. I immediately hear similarities to early Dream Theater, and specifically the first album before James Le Brie, only this album has the wonderful addition of Laetitia Fontannaz' vocals to duet with Mathias Reusser. That additional female touch adds volumes to the soundscape and helps to create a more complete dynamic to the music. The intricate guitar work and keyboards on this track fill the soundscape with that same kind of virtuoso – like studio musician sound any Dream Theater fan can relate to instantly.

'Emptiness' opens with slow guitar mixed well with soft piano and then Reusser's vocals enter the track with Fontannaz close behind. Their dual singing really adds a nice dimension to the music. The guitar riffs, bass, and drums deliver a clear path forward for the lyrical story's direction. The keyboard solos on this epic, over 10 minute, track will make every keyboard fan happy.

Heavy drums, bass, and launching guitars make the opening of the track 'Me' brilliant. Then its Fontannaz showcase, for a brief moment. Reusser then joins in as the momentum builds. The piano work on this track is the best on the album.

'Premices' opens with some more cool guitar riffs and Poussier's drumming talent. The keyboards weave some cool intricate melodies while the lead guitars take shots across the soundscape. The heavy basses shine through the middle and the whole elaborate scheme builds momentum well. This is an instrumental track allowing all the musicians a chance to display their talents ala Dream Theater.

'Blind' opens with slow piano – like keys. Like an old silent movie beginning, before Fontannaz's vocals enter the soundscape. More fantastic guitar and keyboard work with Reusser and Fontannaz providing the lyrical breaks necessary to keep the sound interesting.

'Zephir' opens with deep, wonderful piano, then Reusser's vocals enter, for his vocal showcase.

'Forsaken' opens with gentle guitar and soft string – like effects supporting. Reusser's vocals enter and deliver the powerful lyrical content. The keyboards provide excellent support with cool sounds that will remain with you.

'Escape' grinds open with powerful guitar lunges and great drum support. Reusser's vocals open this over 9 minute closer. The keyboards and guitars build momentum and drive the sound in volumes. Some of the best guitar and keyboard riffs are saved for this epic closer. The speed guitar segments are fantastic. Fontannaz joins in again on vocals to bridge back the power of the album's opening.

Another new find and a band I will add to my 'Watch List'. This is an excellent album in the tradition of Dream Theater's early material. Hopefully future albums will feature Fontannaz's wonderful voice in more volume. The keyboards are excellent.

Track Listing:

01. Deceit 08:20
02. Emptiness 10:25
03. Me 05:51
04. Premices 05:50
05. Blind 06:12
06. Zephir 05:36
07. Forsaken 06:17
08. Escape 09:52

Added: February 14th 2013
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Time Grid Facebook
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Language: english

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