RAPID EYE MOVEMENT

4.5 stars. This is the third and final installment of the "Reality Dream Trilogy". It's kind of cool that "Out Of Myself" opens with someone changing channels on a radio and "Rapid Eye Movement" ends with someone changing channels on a radio. It's what has transpired in between that has made me a big RIVERSIDE fan:THE MUSIC ! This album was such a surprise to me after reading some negative things about it my expectations weren't too high. Right now I rate this even with "Out Of Myself" followd by "Second Life Syndrome". Yes this is possibly their best work yet ! There is more variety on this album than their past two. More atmosphere as well. It still has that RIVERSIDE sound that is like a mixture of PORCUPINE TREE, TOOL, ANATHEMA and PINK FLOYD. Interesting too that all three albums have 9 tracks each on them. In the liner notes the band thanks QUIDAM, PAATOS, AFTER...(who I hope will be on this site soon), and Mike Portnoy & DREAM THEATER. Keyboardist Michal Lapaj thanks Jordon Rudess.

"Beyond The Eyelids" quickly becomes very powerful as Duda's amazing vocals come and go. The background synths are a nice touch. This one flat out rocks as we get 3 minutes worth of ass kicking before the synths take over followed by vocals. A heavy undercurrent continues.The vocals actually recall Steven Wilson's in style and tone, and they sound great before 5 minutes. This is euphoric ! Some nice organ, and the guitar to end it is a highlight. "Rainbow Box" has some crunch throughout. The vocals absolutely shine. The organ really adds to the full sound as drums pound away. "02 Panic Room" is all about the heavy riffs. The synths play an important part as well. I know I keep mentioning the vocals but Duda has not sounded any better than he does on this record. Check out the guitar 3 1/2 minutes in, it's so uplifting. 4 minutes in the song changes completely as a short passage of reserved vocals,guitar and piano ends it. "Schizophrenic Prayer" has an Eastern feel to it with percussion, vocals and vocal melodies. This song seems purposely restrained, like it's on the verge of exploding any minute, but it doesn't.

"Parasomnia" opens with only vocals before some fat bass lines and synths kick in. Heavy riffs follow as Duda's vocals get angry, more of that later as well. 4 1/2 minutes in is the best part of the song. Simply beautiful. The guitar and vocals are so impressive. It calms down as piano and whispered vocals take over. The song rebuilds with a stunning guitar solo. The drumming and song title remind me of TOOL. "Through The Other Side" features acoustic guitar and reserved vocals before cymbals and light drums enter. This is my least favourite song here, but I still like it. "Embryonic" is also a slow moving track with fragile vocals and acoustic guitar. It's so heavenly 2 1/2 minutes in as vocals and then guitar soar. "Cybernetic Pillow" has a nice heavy intro. The organ comes and goes. Check out the guitar solo that goes on and on as the bass throbs. Such a great sound to this track. "Ultimate Trip" pretty much says it all doesn't it ? This is a ride ! I like the rumbling drums to open as the guitar comes in. Vocals follow close behind. There are so many highlights to this song. I like the scorching guitar 3 1/2 minutes in. How about the uplifting sound after 6 minutes that is followed by a heavy melody. The song just seems to get better as it plays out. The guitar and vocals again are amazing. The song starts to build to a powerful sound 12 minutes in. Some good organ too. As I mentioed in the intro the song ends with someone checking out what's on the radio.

The three bonus tracks I have already reviewed on their Ep. but I would especially mention "Back To The River" as being exceptional. RIVERSIDE have created three incredible albums already in thier short careers. This one like the others is a must have.