THREE SEATS BEHIND A TRIANGLE

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This is a Polish four piece band that is rooted in the late Nineties, it is their third studio album and what a mindblowing effort, these guys are trying to compete with the exciting and dynamic sound of their fellow countrymen of Riverside!

In general the 11 compositions contain frequent heavy and propulsive guitar riffs, a powerful and dynamic rhythm-section, lots of fiery, biting and blistering guitar soli, spectacular synthesizer flights, some swirling Hammond organ runs and many sensational breaks or thrilling shifting moods. Although the guitarplay and rhythm-section often sounds as prog metal, Osada Vida their music is more than prog metal, to me it sounds as 'heavy progressive' scouting the borders between symphonic rock and prog metal. The music ranges from mellow to compelling and often heavy, propulsive and dynamic featuring great musical ideas and a subtle variety: a heavy and bombastic first part that shifts into dreamy with acoustic rhythm-guitar and soaring keyboards in Devotion (Part I) - After Hours, a sparkling Grand piano with acoustic guitar, followed by heavy guitar riffs in a prog metal atmosphere and then a break with a tango-like rhythm and a Spanish guitar solo in Devotion (Part II) - Flying Time, jazzy piano and guitar in Boiling Point and the distinctive Fender Rhodes electric piano sound in the alternating Btterly Disappointed.

This is one of the most exciting and dynamic heavy prog albums I have heard in years, I compare my excitement with the sound of late Seventies Rush and early Ayreon era although Osada Vida is (still) not on their superior level. My conclusion: Riverside has serious competion in their country!

This Polish rock/metal band has been around for several years now and has released so far 2 official albums and two unofficial ones (one an EP and the other an LP). This album is their first one written in English. Like many other prog bands, they mingle styles and thus create You might think: Polish rock/metal band, does it sound like Riverside? Well to me there are no real similarities and the occasional similar style of riff doesn't really call for a comparison. Each band has its own sound and natural "niche" which they occupy. Their sound is comprised of the somewhat somber and effective vocals of Lukasz Lisiak, guitar riffs that go from the heavier metallic side to a more subtle approach, and great synthesizer lines that either accompanies the music creating the envelope or playing solo's of its own. At times a bit dark in sound and typically mid-tempo pace (granted, with some faster moments but not overtly rapid), the album has a full and rich sound that envelops me the listener bringing me into their world or into the story of this concept album which I'll mention below. There is good balance between the keyboards and the guitar (both electric and acoustic), each accentuating different emotions and moods throughout the story or rather the journey that is told in this album. Those two main instruments either mingle or take turn as the lead at the forefront. There is a good mix of different sounds and styles played here, from a more laid back rock and dreamy parts to more dynamic and metallic guitar driven (keyboards enhanced) parts, to Hammond organ lead excursions. I find the songs to be well composed, in that they have appealing melodies and are varied enough in both sound and structure to keep me hooked, while allowing the instruments free space to express themselves in an suitable manner, i.e. not too wildly and out of context of the song. This is not purely metal; this is heavy (progressive) rock that more often than not ventures into the metal "realm". It is mostly heavy but would appeal (a lot) to people who don't like metal, as their sound is far from being an alienating one; on the contrary, it is rich and evocative.

So what is the story of this album? I'll give you an abstract of what the liner notes say. This is an album about Dreamers. What do they mean by Dreamers? Well, it is about all the people, everywhere, which have some kind of desire to do something meaningful in their lives. Therefore, it speaks of potentially all of us. No matter what they want to do in their lives, what their passion is, they want to excel in it, making it their life-style, their niche and to create something that will be noticed and appreciated. Those everyday life people with full of ideas and ideals, when trying to mingle in society, are often not well perceived and appreciated. Many times they realize they must compromise for some time in order to achieve a position in which they could fulfill their desired purpose. In this "temporary" state of wait their passions are set aside to be done in their free time. They get burnt out, depressed, and their passion withers away. Their idealistic dreams are cast aside by their surroundings and only people strong and free enough to resist that can prevail. For others, their passion becomes their hobby, something for them to privately enjoy. This is when they take their "unwanted seats: three seats behind a triangle", which is as the band says, is not really a noticeable or interesting place in the orchestra. The songs in the album cover this story line from the "birth of passion" to them "taking their seats". While this may sound that the album might has a depressing sound, a sad feel to it, this is only partly so as I hear it. It doesn't sound to me so much sound as it sounds sober - i.e. showing the realization of those dreamers that they can't fulfill their dreams, and they must settle for something else. Of course there is a variety of other emotions portrayed here but this is the general feel I get from the album.

This album is a very well done progressive rock/metal release, one that is diverse and rich in sound and that makes for a very enjoyable listen. Great listening experience, highly recommended.

Pollished Polish Prog

Originally released in 2006 this, the latest studio album recorded by Polish prog metal band Osada Vida, has been re-released by Metal Mind Productions in expanded form.

A quick glance at the track list and sleeve notes will whet the appetite of all prog fans regardless of preferred genre, as the album is made up of three lengthy suites, book-ended by an intro and outro. The concept is refreshingly obscure, relating to the gulf between the dream and the reality of being an achiever in a chosen field. The lyrics examine how such "dreamers" struggle to fulfil their ambitions (and therefore occupy the "unwanted seat, three seats behind a triangle"), but retain their "passion". The lyrics are in English throughout, the singing at times being rather phonetic.

Each of the three suites (or "seats") is further segmented into three parts, but the music in each is cohesive and contiguous. While the band are rightly classified as prog metal, their music sits at the symphonic end of that spectrum, the apparent influences including bands such as Emerson Lake and Palmer and more recently Arena.

Keyboards player Rafa³ "R6" Paluszek uses an admirable range of keys, including synthesisers, mellotron and Hammond organ, to create lush soundscapes which form the basis for the tracks. When combined with the often heavy riffing of the guitars, this creates a paradoxically retro yet thoroughly up to date atmosphere. On sections such as "Devotion part 1, (After hours)", Bartek Bereska uses acoustic guitar to lighten things further, while also adding some excellent lead guitar to the same piece. Part 2, "Flying time" which follows is an exquisite instrumental featuring jazz tinged piano. The following "Tension blossoms" shows the band at their hardest, the vocals being spat out as Lukasz Lisiak blasts "You destroy my dreams with your primitivity, you burn my desires with your foolishness".

The despairing nature of the lyrics continues on the first part of the third seat, "Everyday Ltd.", With lines such as "I know what I must do today, the same that tomorrow and yesterday". There is an early Marillion like feel which creeps in here, especially in the strong riff backed by lush keyboard layers. This frustration reaches "Boiling point" on the following instrumental section, an organ fuelled cacophony of riffing. The original album closes with a stand alone track "The rebirth of passion", which ties things together perfectly.

The Metal Minds 2008 re-release includes two additional tracks recorded specially for this version. The first of these, "In(s) thru mental" is indeed an instrumental. It focuses on the improvisational but melodic aspects of the band, the riffs being softer while remaining compulsive. The second new song is ".. and don't shut the door", which also emphasises the melodic side of the band's music while featuring some incisive synth runs and extended guitar soloing.

In all, a superb album from Osada Vida, which demonstrates once again how Poland is currently at the forefront of melodic prog metal. This release has been put together with great care both in terms of the content and the presentation. Recommended.

This is a concept album about dreamers and their struggles, frustration and passion to meet the goals they have set in life. The title "Three Seats Behind A Triangle" refers to that place in the orchestra that is not a noticeable or interesting place to be, in fact it's the place you don't want to be in. Just like the dreamers who work at a normal job wishing they were doing what they dream of. The cover art is a reflection of this concept as well. The dreamer has his head in the clouds. Haha. As for the music, I have to say I am totally blown away by it. The music here combines the Heavy-Prog, and Prog-Metal genres I love so much. The fact they also impliment hammond organ, piano, synths and mellotron is just a bonus for me. The bass by the way is ground shaking at times. As good as the lyrics and concept are, I am more amazed with the music itself. This is going to get a lot more play before it goes on the shelf.

"The Passion" is the short intro of acoustic guitar,synths and vocals. It gets louder as drums, bass and guitar come in with more passionate vocals. It blends into "Colours & Notes" where the heaviness continues with a synth solo.The guitar takes off on a tangent 30 seconds in. Check out the bass as vocals and riffing join in. It's like they are just taking their time and not rushing. Great sound. Synths and drums become prominant. It settles a little with vocals after 4 minutes before the guitar starts to light it up. "Unlimited Mind" features grinding guitar as drums pound and bass throbs. A change before 2 minutes as the synths take the guitars place and vocals arrive 2 1/2 minutes in with a light synth melody. Some heaviness with background synths and this contrast continues. Ripping guitar before 5 minutes and it eventually becomes a shred-fest. The sound of glass breaking ends it. "The Decision" features more grinding guitar and heaviness before vocals and a lighter sound arrives.Very heavy 2 minutes in with some ripping organ a minute later. Just a fabulous song. "Devotion(Part 1)" again opens with the guitar leading the way as heaviness comes crashing in. Aggressive vocals follow. A lighter sound 2 1/2 minutes in as acoustic guitar then synths wash in. Guitar is back with some uplifting soaring melodies that go on and on. Absolutely amazing ! "Devotion(Part 2)" has such a solid sound as piano plays along. A bass solo after 2 minutes as the song gets heavier. Beautiful acoustic guitar 3 minutes in before electric guitar winds out and then piano replaces guitar. It gets very heavy 5 minutes in to the end of the song. "Tension Blossom" opens with organ, guitar and lots of power. Vocals and synths arrive. Contrast continues. Check out the instrumental display that follows.They're all over the place. Some beautiful guitar 3 minutes in.Vocals get theatrical at times. "Everyday Ltd" opens with pounding drums as guitar grinds away. A calm when vocals come in. Some fat bass lines. It's as heavy as hell 4 minutes in. Piano to end it. "Boiling Point" is again absolutely heavy with thunderous bass. Keys a minute in as heaviness continues.The guitar with background synths is cool. Check out the organ 3 minutes in. Nice. Some scathing guitar follows. Here comes the heaviness again 5 minutes in to end it. Incredible track ! "Bitterly Disappointed" opens with bass and background synths. A lighter section with vocals is quite uplifting. Heaviness returns. The guitar 2 1/2 minutes in is both scorching and atmospheric. More great bass. Blistering guitar 4 1/2 minutes in then vocals. It's like one outstanding song after another. "The Rebirth Of Passion" is the final song. Piano, guitar, drums, organ and then vocals. Fantastic section. Guitar grinds away beautifully as vocals stop. Vocals are back with lots of piano. It gets very heavy 4 minutes in. Strummed guitar 5 1/2 minutes in before passionate vocals and heavy guitar come in. Love the sound 7 1/2 minutes as organ joins in.

Maybe after more listens i'll drop this rating but I doubt it. Something about this band reminds me of some of the heavier South American bands I really like.This cd will sit proudly beside my other favourite Polish record from INDUKTI.

Wow.

When I listenend to it in the shop, I immediately said:'Wow, it's almost Riverside with better keyboards!' I never heard of the band before, coming from cold cold Poland.

When I hear Poland I think about mainly 2 superstars: Riverside and Satellite. Does Osada Vida inspires itself from those two? If it shares some song patterns with Riverside, it does not apply for Satellite. Although this album is a shrewd blend of medium metal and softer moments. Rarely I listened to such a successful mix of metal and lighter rock, both balancing almost perfectly like a well regulated pendulum. Wow again.

I read somewhere that the vocals were disappointing; I say it depends on what you focus on. To give you an image: do you remember a song by Opus called 'Life is Life' ? Probably, if you're over 30. The vocals sounded like they were recorded from the end of a gymnasium. Well, there's a LOT of reverb and muffling in the singer's voice, sometimes eclipsing totally what the guy's saying. Strange, but not impossible to live with; it's always blowing me away when a band has everything right in a section, and everything wrong in the next!

Since the album is 80% instrumental, focus on the incredibly good passages of Gilmouresque guitar solos and mind-blowing keyboard palette.

I won't have to snatch off a star for the screaming-at-the-end-of-a-gymnasium vocals, simply because it does not bother me much than Roger Waters in the Wall.

Metal with absolute finesse and 100% growling free!

Osada Vida is yet another band from Poland exploring what is coined as progressive music that seemingly has come out of nowhere.

Three Seats Behind a Triangle is the bands third full length release though, and it is easy to hear that this group of musicians have been plying their trade for some time. Musically moving within a triangle where bands such as Camel, Genesis and Dream Theater form the extreme boundaries, a focus on melodies and lush, flowing synths are trademarks of the band. The guitar will often be the dominating instrument; supplying acoustic licks, clean electric ones, distorted drawn out chords as well as grim metal riff patterns at times. More often than not the guitar will either contrast the synths or harmonize with it.

Mostly good compositions here too; with many fascinating moods. Sadly the vocals are not even close to being as good as the other elements here - hence the rating. With a decent or even good vocalist onboard this would have been a really good release; as is there's many interesting segments partially or fully jarred by annoyingly weak vocals.

Recommended for fans of symphonic rock with metal leanings - that doesn't mind weak vocal performance.

Osada Vida is a polish prog metal band who realy took wings in this genre with this album from 2005 named Three sits behind a triangle, the third material of the band. The music is elaborated with very strong passages and smooth and awesome interplays between keys and guitars. They are similar in manner of composing and interpretation with Pain of Salvation and Fragile Vastness, more on vocal parts and drumming, the keys are more toward symphonic zone, but truly amazing. The album is divided in three parts. I'm very impressed by the keyboard player Rafal Paluszek, very strong musician who knows how to use this instrument to creat something of a high class prog, excellent are the passages and arangements on :Pictures From Inside (Part II) - Unlimited Mind - awesome prog metal piece - here Paluszek truly shines, he can fight sholder to sholder with any keyboard player from prog metal field, because is realy a talented musician. Also on some pieces he uses mellotron or hammond and again did a great job . So this album desearve attention by any prog metal listner, Osada Vida become a solid name in prog metal zone from today, and with a little hope they even aspire to the front sits very soon. All in all a great prog metal album who desearve a better view by anyone not only for those who care about metal with prog combinations. Every piece has something to offer and the whole concept is great. I will give 4 stars without hesitation, one of the greates prog metal albums in last 5 years, and the next album is even better, so only good news about this awesome polish band. My CD is in digipack format, so another reason besides music to get this one very quickly. Recommended

This is one of those sly suckers that suddenly bloom, bought on a whim and turning into something unexpected. Not easily pigeon-holed , the harsher style certainly cavorts towards musical terrain developed by Porcupine Tree, Riverside or even French band Nemo, a delightfully electric expanse with bold drumming and driving rhythms , flirting with the edges of metal at times, but supremely melodic . But one needs to pump up the volume and listen to this "LOUD"! This Polish combo prefer chasing a darker palette than their compatriots Satellite or Believe, a frisky guitar keeps things perpetually on a razor's edge, with blustery leads that veer near Nirvana (play on words, there!), as exemplified on the 2 part epic extravaganza "Pictures from Inside", a symphonic feast laden with unexpected bursts and explosive shifts in mood and delivery. The only slight weak point is the thin vocals but its small potatoes, as the overall creativity is bold and inspired. The oily synths slip wildly and the phosphorescent guitar rages mercilessly in a festival of progressive bliss. The tension gets ratcheted up quite a bit with "Decision", a magical piece of groove prog that flirts with colossal themes and blending them with a gritty veneer, almost jazz-rock one second, organ ramblings aside and pounding heavy prog the next! Veeeeery interesting ! What's next? Another 2 part epic entitled "Devotion" that gets things rocking despite the watery vocals, a visceral bobsleigh ride with guitar-centric focus that glides into a gentle spacey groove near Floydian territory , a fluid series of bluesy leads scorching the airwaves with magnificence , billowing sways of synths and exhilarating team crescendos. The second part gets very explorative with an elegant piano-led adventure, almost classical in scope and phrasing, a superb contrast to the previous and immediately upcoming storms and tempests. The thrashing convulses eloquently thanks to a persistent bass line, the course veering expectantly as a Spanish acoustic guitar paints a stunning canvas out of the blue and the synthesized wisps adding even more width to the audio pleasure. "Tension Blossoms" is exactly that, a bruisy-woozy piece of space ?infused hard boogie that has a distinct edge and swerves into experimental subtleties, daring even a jazzy mid-section and a huge guitar solo that soars , burning up the skies as it aims for the stars courtesy of Bartek Bereska (devastating style , to say the least) , a name wise to remember. "Everyday" has the nimble Lukas Lisak bass way up front, propelling the mood with hints of Landberk , very dark and ominous and certainly the harder face of this stunning band. The occasional mellotron blasts are most welcome, only serving to elevate the anxiety. The passion gets hot and heavy as this scorcher searches out the finish line, relentless in its deviant pursuit, again exciting the prog palate with unexpected spices, flavors and aromas. A carnival piano sortie seals the deal, Bravo! Can it continue? Yup, as the aptly coined "Boiling Point " tosses one into a dense sauna of sound and fury, grace and rage , a sudden jazzy guitar pickin' gem seizing the day and spitting out on hell of a solo. This where I start really detecting a golden-era Hillage vibe , as well as the super Hammond incursions from Rafal Poluszek and followed by a more conventional lead guitar exercise, this is another clear winner. "Bitterly Disappointed" one is not with this most PTree-ish track here, an arch- typical psychedelic track with teeth and yet so much apathy from the desolate vocals, the guitar paves a torrential highway with smartly paced riffs and deft leads, very Pink again with moogy synth flutters and moody axe arpeggios, the crunching solo that is a disc highlight, a tremendous piece of prog! The 8 minute + of "The Rebirth of Passion" is where things get more accessible, a piano-led sympho-prog that recalls the classics and a middle section that is now in reverse raw mode, clever little twist on the formula, spacy one second, bouncy the next , finished off by some masterful fret boards rampages. Two last mainly instrumental pieces take over the flow and the lads get to show off more of their considerable chops, the relaxed elegance of " In Thru mental"( a lisp?) is a fascinating ride into brilliant music , perhaps my favorite cut among so many. The 10 minute "?and Don't Shut the Door?" is a clear cut homage to Gong (you-era), from the obvious rolling bass groove , the frilly guitar forays and scattering synths , all pushed along by the steadiest beat, with even the wild vocals actually impressing . Stellar stuff! Nice little bit of well-earned philosophy on the back booklet, extolling the virtues of the story. Yeah, another one of those "human condition" subjects we all adore since time immemorial. A tremendous surprise that only recently caught my attention, my radar needs a safety check, too many incoming prog missiles that I am missing ! Amazing recording from Poland, right again sink ! 5 triumphant triumvirates