Timeline is a new band formed out of the ashes of a former project that lasted almost 10 years. The remaining members began the process of recruiting replacement players so the band could continue in another form. This process has been completed and the new line-up is ready to showcase this evolution. They are pursuing original progressive material focusing on melody and a “big” sound. Their writing has been influenced by the prog rock/metal acts of the past 30 years. However, strong emphasis is placed on accessibility and this has moved them in a direction that is similar to the newer, primarily European progressive acts who are part of the resurgence for this genre of music. The new line-up has grown the band to 6 members. Instrumentation now consists of two guitars, keyboards, bass, drums/percussion and a lead vocalist. The material has evolved both musically and vocally with arrangements that provide for a diverse sound lush in harmonies from the instruments and voices. The current philosophy of the band is to continue a direction of writing that challenges the listener to think both about the music itself and the message of the song and which, holistically, they describe as “intelligent music”. They believe this is sorely lacking in today’s mainstream music and one of the reasons that progressive rock is beginning to become popular again. Timeline follows the tradition of pure Melodic Hard Rock linked with bands from 70' and 80' glorious years, but sometimes the styles blend around Progressive Metal with touchs of Classic Art-Rock, if we had to compare Timeline with something, I would include this band´s style somewhere near "Kansas" and "Journey", with some echoes from "Rush" and "Dream Theater". We can listen some soft ballads, ample keyboards arrangements with classically inspired guitars sounds, in the same style of the best in this genre; good tracks with nice melodies with a strong instrumental passages. The vocals deserve a special highlight, where the musicians use different voices, all of which are sometimes highly melodic, sometimes harder, characterized by an elaborate harmonic texture, clean and melodic. Timeline can be considered as a new evolution and a revolution in a modern Prog Hard Rock. "Timeline" All music and lyrics written by Timeline, recorded in "The Hole", produced and mixed by Paul Alvarez, mastered by Bryce Graven at Mastering Solutions, Burlingame, CA. A special and particular attention to and my favourite songs are: "Mirror in the Sky", "Redemption", "The Burn", "Rampage", "Journey's End", "Heart of the Storm", "Karocell" and "When I Look Into Your Eyes". The main musicians on the band are: Patrick Alvarez - Drums And Percussion, Paul Alvarez - Bass And Vocals, Eric Boles - Lead Vocals, Scott Evers - Keyboards And Vocals, Rich Stewart - Guitars and Chris Welcher - Guitars. Brilliant and indispensable work, highly recommendable... (Comments by Carlos Vaz)
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US prog six-piece, Timeline, have just released their debut album (end of February 2005).  Understanding that band have been influenced by the music of bands such as Kansas, Dream Theater and Marillion, I had considered letting Hairless Heart's Danny Mayo have the pleasure of reviewing the album, Danny having a penchant for the heavier/metal side of progressive rock.  But I didn't.  Sorry Danny.

Timeline's debut is a little treasure.  I don't deny that the music is on the heavy side of centre, but this has more to do with creating a BIG presence rather than destroying one's neurons.

The musical phrasing in the impressive opener, Mirror In The Sky, brings on memories of JethroTull's Broadsword album, balancing delicateness with power, the metaphorical V8 just on tickover.

Very prog indeed.  So I was momentarily taken aback when I heard the vocals of Eric Boles for the first time.  Eric has one of those classic hard rock voices which carry effortlessly and would fit right in with the likes of Black Sabbath or Uriah Heep, yet it seems just right for Timeline's music, with matching vocal harmonies from bassist Paul Alvarez and keys man Scott Evers.

The tracks are liberally dotted with hooks and riffs, the two guitarists hitting the mark in, for example, Vertigo, whilst Scott Evers on keyboards ensures that the prog flag is kept flying.

The band was formed out of the ashes of another project which had been around for about ten years and these guys know what they are doing - Paul has been playing bass for 35 years (with a break for meals?) so you can see that the individual members have a wealth of experience.

I have only had the opportunity to listen to this album about four or five times and yet to 'discover' my favourite track because, as I previously mentioned, there are hooks etc. in every track and, however short, are too good not to be in contention.  Easiest just to play the whole CD every time.  I must admit that the Genesisy odd time signature/complexity halfway through When I Look Into Your Eyes is trying to sway me.

Timeline are planning to release their second album at the back end of 2005.  Meanwhile, if you want some prog that literally rocks, the band's debut will meet your expectations.
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