SECOND LIFE SYNDROME

Prog Metal...... but not like Dream Theater or any other band. Actually; Riverside is what they are; a band from Poland. Dark and brooding. Just like the death metal scene from the same country. It must be something in the water there......

The associations to Pink Floyd is not as strong as I thought they would be on this, their second album. The reference to Pink Floyd was much stronger on the debut album. I get a lot of associations to Pearl Jam's debut album when I am listening to this album. Only the woodpecker in my beard knows why. Porcupine Tree is also a good reference. But most of all; Riverside is a unique band and so is this album.

The music is driven by both guitars and organ. Actually more guitars than keyboards. The vocals are superb too. The epic title track is brilliant and so is most of this album. I do understand why this band is so popular and I this album is most definite a keeper. I do feel this album has more layers which I have yet to penetrate and it will most definite be on my play-list for a long time together with the rest of the Riverside albums. Riverside is a band I am keeping an eager eye on.

4 stars.