SECOND LIFE SYNDROME

Riverside's first album, Out of Myself was amazing, so I was surprised to discover that their second album, Second Life Syndrome, was even better!

Second Life Syndrome is an excellent album, which continues (I think) the story from the previous album. It's great progressive music, whether it is metal or not. The album starts out very well with "After," with some brief talking at the beginning and chanting throughout the song. The title track "Second Life Syndrome" is beautiful, an amazing three-part composition. My favorite two songs on the album are "Reality Dream III" and "Dance with the Shadow." "Reality Dream III" is Riverside's third instrumental, capturing some of the heavier moments of the band. "Dance with the Shadow" is a fantastic track, being very dark and heavier than most of their other songs. The build-up to the climax of the song is amazing!

Riverside's second album is very necessary to have. It's not the most metal album of progressive metal, but it's a masterpiece.