Riverside
Shrine of New Generation Slaves

They are from Poland, the progressive rock/metal band called Riverside and they have titled their latest album in a rather clever way. It has an interesting looking cover artwork showcasing this generation slaves, or is it the new generation? Otherwise polish progressive music does not really flood the markets as far as I know, the fact is that I didn’t really know Riverside either before getting this album and that even though these guys have been playing with bands like Dream Theater and their peers so it would seem like they are to be reckoned with. I must say that at first glance it looks like an interesting band and an interesting album but looks can often be deceiving so lets listen to the songs first.

The music is progressive rock or metal which isn’t of the virtuosity kind but rather a more minimalistic approach, the progressiveness lies in the atypical phrasing and the structures of the songs. It is quite melodic with strong melodies, not particularly heavy other than in some parts but it is mostly of the melodic and somewhat atmospheric way. Strong production and sound as well as a really good singer are other things I can say about this album, feels like a quality production I would say. And even though it is labeled progressive the songs are quite easy to take in, nothing particularly complicated anywhere but you do not need to be a progressive rock or metal connoisseur to take to it. The album isn’t long either for a progressive album with its fifty minutes of playing time over the eight tracks, just one of those are a bit over ten minutes so it doesn’t feel like your everyday progressive album even though it ticks most of the boxes.

I think that this is a good album overall, it has an overall quality feel and there are some really strong songs on the album. The opening track isn’t quite up to it I think, not a very good start to the album I would say but it gets better with the second track which is the best on the album and the following track isn’t far behind. Then there is one or two more quite good tracks before the album ends in a bit of a disappointing manner after what it has built up until then so the ending and the start feels a tad like a letdown but the overall feel is still too good to just dismiss. I would say that it is a an album to look up, especially if you like the progressive kind of rock or metal music.

A recommended album for anyone into progressive rock or metal music, and, as I stated before, I don’t think that you need t be a connoisseur of the craft to really enjoy it either. Quite an impressive showing I would say, keep it nice and simple and make it clever seems to be what they do in a clearly likeable album. Maybe not the greatest album I have heard but really good despite the flaws and it clearly spiked my curiosity about this band, too bad that I most likely will not have the time to check them out. Anyway, I don’t think I am too bold in saying that Riverside probably is the most interesting bad from Poland today. Check them out and check out SONGS, it is well worth it.

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