TRANSATLANTIC is a bona fide all star assemblage of the Progressive Rock's elite players. DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy convened the truly trans-continental act in 1999 by uniting guitarist Roine Stolt of Swedish act THE FLOWERKINGS, Neal Morse of fellow American Progsters SPOCK'S BEARD and MARILLION bassist Pete Trewavas from the UK. The 'SMPTE' debut was unanimously heralded as a classic of the genre upon its release. North American shows resulted in the live album, released in February of 2001.

TRANSATLANTIC put in a run of European tour dates during November of 2001.