By: Johell

Posted: Dec 26, 2005

What a pleasure to have Riverside back with the follow-up to last year's "Out Of Myself". Their debut album was certainly one of the best prog albums of 2004. I don't think I will lie if I tell you that "Second Life Syndrome" is one of the best prog albums of 2005. Ok, it took me a little bit more time to catch onto this album entirely, but after several spins the magic was around again. This album beholds magic emotional/melancholic vibes and compared to "Out Of Myself" it's definitely more guitar oriented.

Mariusz Duda still got his magic and touching voice and this time he is also introducing us to a more rough side of his singing. His bass parts are impressive as well. The guitar parts played by Piotr Grudzinski are still very airy, the atmospheres float around and the leads are simply beautiful and catchy. Michal Lapaj on keyboards creates unique sounds and Piotr Kozieradzdki varies his drum playing from powerful parts to more soft ones.

"Second Life Syndrome" opens with the incanting singing/whispering of Duda's magic voice on 'After', a calm but intriguing track surrounded by sounds and soft drumming along with a nice guitar line.

'Volte-Face' follows with more aggressive guitar lines, which in some ways reminds of Porcupine Tree. Excellent drumming is present here, a blend of a 70's feeling is delivered with the keyboards with cool atmospheres as the result, the bass gets directly to the listeners ears and the voice is emotional, but does also contain a more aggressive vibe in some parts of this 8.40 minutes great song. 'Conceiving You' is a nice track with cool guitar and a nice piano/keys line and the voice is very clear and beautiful.

Next track is a progressive masterpiece. The 15.40 minutes long 'Second Life Syndrome' is cut in three pieces and is filled with different vibes and peaks, some are subtle other ones have a more angry approach, something the band never has explored before. The keyboard lines varies from cool 70's feels to more modern sounds, the bass is damn present, the drumming is really nice and the guitar lines are full of dexterity, impressive.

The approach on 'Artificial Smile' is more rock-oriented. The bass is groovy, the guitar riffing is heavier, the keyboard is atmospheric, the drumming faster and the vocals almost aggressive. A crying guitar invites us to 'I Turned You Down' the melody onthis track is inspiring and beautiful. 'Reality Dream III' is an instrumental track that takes us back to "Out Of Myself" to continue things where they were left.

Another long song is 'Dance With The Shadow', close to twelve minutes of strong, intense and trance-like progressive rock. A brilliant track that will be fantastic when performed live. 'Before' closes the album perfectly with excellent guitars, nice percussion and dreamy keys.

I can't wait to see Riverside live again and I can't wait to hear the third and final chapter of this twisted psychological story that should come out sooner or later. If you like bands like Anathema, Opeth and Porcupine Tree, be sure to check this talented band from Poland out. Beautiful music and well presented artwork done by Travis Smith is waiting for you!

Rating: 9/10

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