LOVE, FEAR AND THE TIME MACHINE

"Love, Fear and the Time Machine" is the 6th full-length studio album by Polish progressive rock act Riverside. The album was released through InsideOut Music in September 2015. It's the successor to "Shrine of New Generation Slaves" from 2013. Riverside slowly evolved over the years from a progressive rock act with some metal leanings to a more fully progressive metal oriented act on their 4th full-length studio album "Anno Domini High Definition (2009)". On "Shrine of New Generation Slaves (2013)" they moved away from the metal influences again though, and that development continues on "Love, Fear and the Time Machine"...

...it's actually their least metal tinged album up until now. There are still some relatively hard rocking sections featured on the album, and even a couple of sections which borders metal, but "Love, Fear and the Time Machine" is generally a very mellow and pleasant sounding release. Artists like Porcupine Tree and Gazpacho often come to mind, but by now Riverside have found their own sound within the world of slightly melancholic and atmospheric progressive rock. Mariusz Duda has a pleasant voice, which helps convey the message of the material well, but the band are generally well playing and deliver their parts with both passion and conviction. Interesting rhythms, melodic guitar/keyboards, and an organic sounding bass, are just some of the features which make up Riverside's sound.

The material on the 10 track, 60:38 minutes long album is well written and quite catchy. While all tracks feature vers/chorus sections, which are easy to hum/sing along to, the tracks contain more than just that. The track structures always go beyond the basic vers/chorus structure, and while I wouldn't characterize the material as complex, it's still relatively adventurous. Add to that a warm and well sounding production, which suits the material perfectly, and we have yet another high quality Riverside release on our hands. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.