Riverside appreciation
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific prog bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=49993
Printed Date: July 18 2025 at 18:34
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Riverside appreciation
Posted By: Treasure
Subject: Riverside appreciation
Date Posted: July 07 2008 at 21:34
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These guys are absolute geniuses. The most underrated band in prog, next to Demians. I bought the debut, and I like them so much I bought the other two records within the week. Who else here likes them as much as me?
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http://www.last.fm/user/YertGuy - http://www.last.fm/user/YertGuy |
Replies:
Posted By: Moatilliatta
Date Posted: July 08 2008 at 02:59
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I'm surprised there haven't been any responses yet. I love Riverside. Great sound and great tunes. I particularly love their softer, atmospheric side. The heavier side is mostly good, especially when they keep it melodic and atmospheric.
The only negative I have for them is their really heavy side. I don't like Duda's attempts at growls (few as they may be) and I absolutely cannot stand the bulk of the song "Artificial Smile." It's got a great instrumental section as usual, but the verses and choruses are repulsive to me. I also find they could sound a bit more thick in the metallic sections. The sound is a bit less dense and could be more powerful. The writing is excellent, though. ------------- www.last.fm/user/ThisCenotaph  
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Posted By: Treasure
Date Posted: July 08 2008 at 16:47
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Holy crap, I feel the exact same way! His growls, honestly, are laughable. I listen to every kind of death metal there is and they sound like nails on a chalkboard to me. I also liked Out of Myself much more than SLS. I found it more along the lines of 70's prog than prog metal. Riverside! EDIT: Errr, I liked Artificial Smile I guess. I got it confused with the song that came after. I liked it because it sounded a lot like Porcupine Tree. -------------
http://www.last.fm/user/YertGuy - http://www.last.fm/user/YertGuy |
Posted By: mpomy
Date Posted: July 09 2008 at 18:43
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Riverside are tremendous. I agree that the growls (demon voice) have to go, but maybe it has helped them try to get a foothold in the heavier market. The atmosphere and drama of all three records just hasn't gotten old. I always smile when their music comes up in shuffle. I'm particularly smitten by Volto-Face on 'Second Life Syndrome'.
Let's hear it for Polish prog and F1 drivers! ------------- 
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Posted By: Plankowner
Date Posted: July 10 2008 at 00:22
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I have this feeling their next album is going to be their "rock" album. So I imagine it's going to be heavier than SLS. So beware :) I'm seeing them in Atlanta in September. Can't wait for that show.
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Posted By: Nightfly
Date Posted: July 10 2008 at 14:23
| agreed a great band though I have yet to get round to buying the debut. So much great music around and not enough money!!! |
Posted By: Treasure
Date Posted: July 10 2008 at 18:20
Oh at Prog Power!
My friend down there is gonna see em there too! -------------
http://www.last.fm/user/YertGuy - http://www.last.fm/user/YertGuy |
Plankowner wrote:Posted By: ProgBagel
Date Posted: July 10 2008 at 18:45
| They are one of my favorite modern bands. I am also a fan of some of their softer work. I considered their latest album to be just a little above decent though. Still going to buy into their next album. |
Posted By: pepato
Date Posted: July 11 2008 at 04:43
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I'm listening to Riverside right now. I think they are a very good band, but not so original or so special. I find them a little boring, maybe they are still waiting to enter their maturity and find their original shape. A very good surprise anyway. And I *do* love the short growl passages ;-) They fit very well with the sound I think, and do not disturb the whole work being too much invasive. EDIT: and by the way, they are far superior than anything done by Dream Theater in the last years, just to quote a more-succesful band. Judging from this point of view, Riverside are surely under-esitimated. |
Posted By: Takeshi Kovacs
Date Posted: July 12 2008 at 11:34
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Good band - saw them live in London last November at the Camden Underworld and they put on a good show. Got to meet them in the bar afterwards too! -------------  Open the gates of the city wide....
Check out my music taste: http://www.last.fm/user/TakeshiKovacs/ |
Posted By: Treasure
Date Posted: July 15 2008 at 17:32
Err...
What are you listening to? You might find the first record sort of meh, (most people do for some reason, I don't).
Listen to the song Second Life Syndrome, then get back to me. -------------
http://www.last.fm/user/YertGuy - http://www.last.fm/user/YertGuy |
Posted By: pepato
Date Posted: July 17 2008 at 03:14
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Second Life Syndrome is the only album I know. :-) Maybe I can pull back about its originality, but I must repeat myself: I find them quite boring, expecially the voice, quite monotone. A good band, indeed, but not one of the most memorable, by now. I think here we get into personal opinions, since I see everyone here in ProgArchives like this band so much. :-) cheers |
Posted By: Roundabot
Date Posted: August 04 2008 at 18:59
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Riverside is such a good band, but i agree that they weren't to much original in their first album.
But I think they have found their own sound in SLS and then lost it again in REM that is a coomeback to what they've done in OOM so now i really don't know.
But even if they aren't that much of an original band they certainly aren't boring at all, even if sometimes they try too hard to sound like some of the classic 70's prog bands (Pink Floyd someone...) ------------- 
The Start of Something Beautiful... |
Posted By: Plankowner
Date Posted: August 05 2008 at 01:57
On listen 4 or 5 I did all that, now on listen 30-35 I've forgotten about any comparisons  .
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Posted By: Endless Wire
Date Posted: August 08 2008 at 19:27
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Maybe someone should help me. I own only SLS but intend to get their debut soon. For some reason I just can't figure out what all the hype is about. It's not that I find them 'bad', but I'm just not blown away by them like everyone else seems to be. I think a lot of it lies within the guitar (since I am a guitar player!). I find his guitar tone to be to rather bland, and his lead work feels very repetitive. This wouldn't be a problem, but so much of the songs are centered around his lead work. I'm also not crazy about the singer's voice either. I'm not trying to put down what is appearantly a great band, I'm just trying to let someone tell me what I'm missing.------------- . |
Posted By: Moatilliatta
Date Posted: August 10 2008 at 20:13
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^As a musician/multi-instrumentalist (including guitar), I find the guitar tones for the cleans and distorted solos & leads to be excellent, but the distorted tone for his rhythm work (mostly chords and lower-end riffs) to be really weak. I can see where you might think his leads are repetitive, but Riverside is more about creating atmospheres than dazzling us with tecnical feats. I was underwhelmed by them when I first listened to them, but after putting in the time I loved them. They create some great moods and stuff. ------------- www.last.fm/user/ThisCenotaph
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Posted By: DJPuffyLemon
Date Posted: August 10 2008 at 20:18
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I'm torn with this band, half the time they are outstanding and yet the other half they just seem like they're not trying hard enough. This is judging only from second lfe syndrome by the way. Their longer songs on that album are about average on the spectrum of what they can do and have done on that album. Idk I'm definately going to listen to them again but calling them geniouses is a bit much. |
Posted By: Sacred 22
Date Posted: August 11 2008 at 21:41
| I enjoy Riverside very much. They give me my heavy melodic fix. They really are pretty damn good. |
Posted By: casssy
Date Posted: August 13 2008 at 18:01
Hey, I love their songs. Their music is great! So this thread is dedicated for them, huh?
------------- The Future is Sharing Music that's why I love.. http://www.creativecommons.org - http://www.creativecommons.org http://www.TribeofNoise.com - http://www.TribeofNoise.com |
Posted By: Tristan Campbell
Date Posted: August 17 2008 at 06:29
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I really like Riverside too. I bought a copy of Rapid Eye Movement double CD version first after seeing them in Prog Archives and then went out and bought the first two. I like all of their albums, even Rapid Eye Movement which no one seems to like. I am quite a fan of Porcupine Tree too so maybe that's why I like it (I think In Absentia is their best, in particular 'The Sound of Musak'). Currently I am educating my housemate in the ways of Prog Metal. He really likes Dream Theater, Opeth, Tool, Iron Maiden, Ayreon's Human Equation but hasn't liked Riverside. I think Riverside is more about atmosphere that technical ability (although they can do that too). |
Posted By: Laszlo
Date Posted: December 11 2008 at 16:07
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Hello everyone. My first post on these forums. I've been lurking around PA for several years - coming here for advice, read reviews and generally to keep in touch with the latest trends in prog music. I found Prog Archives to be truly my ultimate prog rock resource. As it happened I was lucky enough to secure myself an hour long slot on Fridays night on the local community radio to present 52 episodes dedicated purely to prog rock. I found myself here doing a lot of research and so I decided to join in and become a member. My listening gear is headphone based, over the years I've built pretty decent headphone rig and I'm active member on Head-Fi forums. There is music dedicated forum at Head Fi, with occasional prog related thread popping out every now and then, but I think coming to forums dedicated entirely to prog music is better idea. And so, here I am. And why my first post in Riverside thread? They've made it last year into my private Top 5 chart - love all three of their studio albums. Cheers! |
Posted By: The Pessimist
Date Posted: December 11 2008 at 16:44
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Just listening to Dance With A Shadow now actually. I like what I hear, some great vocal harmonies!
------------- "Market value is irrelevant to intrinsic value." Arnold Schoenberg |
Posted By: steve j
Date Posted: July 08 2009 at 15:15
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Thought I would resurect this thread now that Anno Domini High Definition has been released. I preordered it, and it came today. I love the sound - they are so unique. Another 5 star album by them IMHO. Buy it is my advice, especially if you loved their other albums.
They are legends in the making. Cannot speak highly enough of them - so much depth to their music.
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Posted By: Evolutionary Sleeper
Date Posted: July 08 2009 at 15:19
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ADHD didn't really strike me in the first couple listens, but there definitely is some good stuff there. But yea, Riverside ownz my soul, Out of Myself is one of my 5 or 6 favorite albums. Great stuff.
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Posted By: angelmk
Date Posted: July 08 2009 at 16:10
| Anno Domini High Definition didn't struck me as their previous albums. Second Life Syndrom is my favourite. |
Posted By: TDW
Date Posted: July 08 2009 at 17:44
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Big Riverside fan here as well! (one of my main inspirations in terms of vocals and atmosphere!) I have all their albums (and the Ep's and Singles) and had the pleasure to review ADHD in advance (Used to work as a reviewer for a webzine and recently quitted) so it had some time to grow on me allready and boy, I really really REALLY look forward to hearing those songs live! :D I am going to buy the album anyway next to the promo version I own because I want the live DVD considering I was at that Amsterdam gig myself! (Heheh, maybe I'll even see my weird face in the crowd somewhere :P) ------------- http://www.tdwmusic.com"> 
...Scoring emotions by the day... |
Posted By: Jake Kobrin
Date Posted: July 08 2009 at 22:45
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I'm a HUGE fan of these guys! My favorite is still Out of Myself, better than Second Life Syndrome, IMO. The new one was a disappointment for me...
------------- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Neil-Kobrin/244687105562746" rel="nofollow - SUPPORT MY FATHER AND BECOME A FAN Jacob Kobrin Illustration |
Posted By: Dim
Date Posted: July 08 2009 at 23:51
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Another band I have yet to listen to. The thing is though, I've yet to find a band under the traditional prog metal band that catches my interest. Can someone tell if I'd like them, or at leastgive me a summary of what they sound like? ------------- 
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Posted By: Evolutionary Sleeper
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 00:26
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Try this on for size Dim... http://www.last.fm/music/Riverside/_/Out+of+Myself - http://www.last.fm/music/Riverside/_/Out+of+Myself This whole album i just spectacular IMO. If you don't like that one, try some of the other full tracks out, they are nothing like the prototypical prog metal band. -------------
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Posted By: Jake Kobrin
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 00:38
A combination of Pink Floyd, Opeth, Porcupine Tree, some Tool, and another thing that is all there own... They're the ONLY (traditional) prog metal band I like. ------------- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Neil-Kobrin/244687105562746" rel="nofollow - SUPPORT MY FATHER AND BECOME A FAN Jacob Kobrin Illustration |
Posted By: progrules
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 01:08
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I got to know them 5 years ago thanks to PA's streamsong Loose Heart which didn't really impress me. I'm glad though I gave them a second chance when I heard about the high praised SLS. A near masterpiece it appeared to be !
I will start with the album ratings:
Out of Myself 3,75*
Second Life Syndrome 4,5*
Voices in my Head 3*
Rapid Eye Movement 4+*
Anno Domini High Definition Looking forward to check it out.
Great band indeed. To me there are three main aspects about their music:
1) Metal with or without the growls. Of the three aspects the middle one to me but all in all I like it.
2) Ballad-like stuff (Voices in my Head !). Atmosphere is nice with those but of all three styles this is clearly the least one to me.
3) Their symphonical epics: this is my most fav style of Riverside. These compositions really shine imo.
I will illustrate it with my personal top 10 (without Anno Domini):
1. Second Life Syndrome
2. Dance with the Shadow
3. Ultimate Trip
4. Beyond the Eyelids
5. Parasomnia
6. Volte Face
7. The Same River
8. Artificial Smile
9. Reality Dream III
10. Rapid Eye Movement ------------- A day without prog is a wasted day |
Posted By: hirszu
Date Posted: July 22 2009 at 11:03
| I really love ADHD. I'm in a middle of writing a review, I'll post it here when it'll be ready :) |
Posted By: The Pessimist
Date Posted: July 22 2009 at 11:15
Yep, the Poles are sure talented. Makes me proud to be one  Let's hear it for Metalski 
------------- "Market value is irrelevant to intrinsic value." Arnold Schoenberg |
Posted By: Pekka
Date Posted: November 29 2009 at 04:50
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Mmmmyeah, I'm a fan. I've liked them a lot ever since I got into Second Life Syndrome some years ago, but the gig yesterday made me a fan definitely. Some good old selections and the whole of the new album, the band had a lot of fun (especially every time there was a theremin involved) as did the audience, the guitar guy (guess I should know his name if I consider myself a fan) played many gorgeous guitar soli and Mariusz Duda is the most handsome man in prog. And a great bassist/vocalist as well. Someone at another forum posted this setlist: •02 Panic Room •Second Life Syndrome (including a bit Schizophrenic Prayer) •The Same River •In Two Minds •Hyperactive •Driven To Destruction •Egoist Hedonist •Left Out •Hybrid Times encore: •Stuck Between •Reality Dream II (including a bit of Reality Dream III) 2.encore: •Rapid Eye Movement ------------- http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=42652" rel="nofollow - It's on PA! 
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Posted By: FordPrefect
Date Posted: November 30 2009 at 15:44
I was at the same gig as Pekka -I guess- on saturday. And oh boy what a gig it was!  Great musicianship, well picked & impressive tunes and atmosphere to match! I saw Riverside two years ago at the same location and though they were good back then too -this time they were amazing! (Though 'Driven to destruction' remains a weak track in my opinion) For some reason I like Mariusz's singing better live than on the albums!  ------------- Don't panic |