Under the name of Life Line Project hides the Dutch multi-instrumentalist Erik de Beer who, after having played in different bands, decided in 1988 to found this project. "Beyond Time" is the first album recorded under this name with the master of the place as the only musician. The version proposed here is a remaster of the original edition published in 1994, with two live tracks as bonus.
Drawing its roots in the progressive music of the 70's, Life Line Project offers us with this album a collection of instrumental pieces evolving in a symphonic progressive rock. The sounds of both keyboards and guitars are far from the current standards with vintage sounds and guitars that will remind us at times of Mike Oldfield from the first albums. As for the flutes, they add a welcome Camel touch.
The compositions of the album propose multiple themes, linked one after the other or linked by guitar or keyboards solos. Alternating somewhat worrying passages, medieval inspired interludes and then voluptuous melodies supported by a majestic orchestration, 'Beyond Time' condenses all the know-how of Erik de Beer who, quite rare in this kind of project, manages it admirably well. The other tracks, although less complex in their structure, evolve in the same register, which could remind besides the Camel of the 70s, the works of Anthony Phillips. Special mention however for 'Like Never Before' which, in a little more than 4 minutes, offers us an incredible variety of styles, passing without complex of pop parts to a furious final where the guitar is made virtuoso, reminding Abel Ganz and "Danger Of Strangers".
For its first production under this name, Life Line Project manages from the start to make a place for itself in the sector of progressive symphonic music. And even if the more than vintage sounds of some keyboards could confuse the listener, this impression quickly fades in front of the quality of the compositions and their realization.