ID.ENTITY

OK, I've never been a fan of progressive metal, but Riverside has always been interesting due to their mix of strong melodies and emotional depth that is quite appealing despite the sometimes overly heavy spots (and Mariusz Duda's great vocals are always a highlight). Riverside is lead by Mariusz Duda (vocals, bass), Michal Lapaj (keyboards), and relatively new guitarist Maciej Meller. On this album, their 8th, and with topical themes and lyrical content dealing with issues of the day, the band tries to incorporate a bit more of a commercial sound (at least on the released singles), while still maintaining their powerful Prog and Prog Metal cred, and are mostly successful in that. The opener 'Friend of Foe' has something of an '80's synth pop feel that features Duda's wonderfully smooth vocals. On 'Big Tech Brother' and 'Post-Truth' they flex more of their prog metal tendencies, which is why they are, for me at least, the least enjoyable tracks. 'The Place Where I Belong' is the longest and best track, a lovely song moving from an opening plaintive melody to a beefier prog middle section, leading to a more moody, atmospheric section, and a magnificent emotional extended instrumental outro. 'Self-Aware', the album closer, sounds eerily like some lost Rush track from the early 80's, but it works very well. Overall, a very good album, with strong vocals from Duda throughout, whether singing beautiful soaring melodies or more fierce metal ravings, but because of the lighter pop elements mixed in with the heavier metal-influenced aspects, it may not totally please either the prog metal or the more melodic prog fans. Best Tracks: The Place Where I Belong, Self-Aware, Friend Or Foe, I'm Done With You. Weak Tracks(due to metal content): Big Tech Brother, Post-Truth. Rating: 3.5 stars