Riverside Anno Domini High Definition |
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 | Tracklist:
1. Hyperactive
2. Driven to Destruction
3. Egoist Hedonist
4. Left Out
5. Hybrid Times
Release Date: 2009 | |
| | other reviews | jybt (5)
The best album ever to come out of Poland. A complete masterwork of modern progressive metal, with j... | Nick Butler STAFF (2.5)
A disappointing effort from the best prog rock act in Poland.... |
On 26 Lists
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| Summary: Powerful and aggressive, but not without retaining signature Riverside elements. The true definition of great songwriting. Listen up all of you Prog Metal bands out there, this is how its done. |
3 of 3 thought this review was well written
Riverside have/has (I can never put my finger on one of them) continuously grown in popularity since their debut was released back in 2003, and with good reason. Although it’s difficult for a band to create their own “unique” sound in this modern world with so many bands already blending various genres and styles to conjure up their own cocktails, Riverside certainly have distinct elements, which if are not unique to them, they at least excel in. Fans will already be aware of the gorgeous atmospheric keyboards, the powerful and intricate bass lines, the tasteful lead guitar work, and Mariusz’s distinct vocals. They’ve been a very consistent band as well, releasing an album every other year up until their 4th release, namely Anno Domini High Definition (in other words ADHD, yes it was intentional).
Their first 3 albums are definitely very good. For a while I had been looking for a progressive rock/metal band like them that effortlessly merged stunning atmospheric keyboards with some interesting guitar and bass work, and of course some aggression just for good measure. So even though I was skeptical at first I definitely was won over by their trilogy, albeit not completely. You see there were certain reservations which I could not overlook no matter how lenient a mood I was in.
First off while the production was good I always felt it could’ve, neigh, deserved to be better, especially with such lush keyboard work, and it’s the production aspects really shape the final output, obviously. Maybe it’s just my opinion, or maybe it’s because I was comparing it to Porcupine Tree (probably unfair on my part), but it needed a little more spark and clarity. The main culprit was definitely the drums (sound wise, not playing wise). They were far too low in the mix, too muddy and dull, and lacked that extra kick to match the other instruments.
Whereas the drum production needed improvement one aspect which instantly hit me, and of which I’m extremely appreciative, and boy I am, are the keyboards in the mix. In most of the more aggressive modern progressive rock/metal music I’ve listened to the keyboards are usually swamped by the excessively loud guitars (I’m looking at you Dream Theater), and so it was extremely pleasing to be able to hear the stunning keyboard work even when the guitars were very heavy. Though I’m guessing as a consequence the drums suffered in the end.
This album is definitely an important one in terms of direction. With the culmination of the trilogy the major question was “what will their next album sound like?” Well Mariusz had hinted that the direction was heavier and uptempo in several interviews (“oh no”, right?). Well normally when I hear modern bands deciding to opt for a heavier direction the normal concerns include the band sacrificing good melodies and instrumentation for heavy riffs, with the guitar overshadowing other instruments in the mix. But my biggest, BIGGEST, fear is the guitar being tuned to sound way too abrasive and in the vein of nu-metal or metalcore. Well how does Riverside’s latest LP fare? Let’s find out.
Riverside are:
• Mariusz Duda – vocals, bass, acoustic guitar
• Piotr Grudziński – guitar
• Michał Łapaj – keyboards, theremin
• Piotr Kozieradzki – drums
First off its length is a mere 44:44. For a modern prog album that’s practically EP material. The reason? To achieve a more cohesive result. Great incentive for sure, let us commence.
1. Hyperactive (5:45): The album opener starts with a nice simple piano melody which has a bit of a dark feel to it. The acoustic guitar and electric guitars come in playing the harmonies. Hey this isn’t so heav…… Oh. Distorted drums and guitars fade in and we’re off. Good tempo, good drumming maintaining the rhythm and the guitars are very heavy. The crisp sounding synthesizer comes in before we get to the first verse. The verses are delivered in stop time which took me a while to “understand” (important term which shall be explained later). What took me longer was the falsetto. Multiple time signature changes, great riffs, dynamic bass lines, incredible organ, and really great “funky” elements (in a metal context). Michal and Piotr K are really allowed to flex their muscles and I have to ask, WHY WEREN’T THEY ALLOWED BEFORE? Unbelievably enjoyable track! 6/5
2. Driven to Destruction (7:06): We’re treated to Mariusz’ gorgeous bass guitar tone with the perfect delay to begin the second track. This track probably has the smoothest transitions. The song effortlessly progresses through different moods with some very creative bass playing and drumming. The heavier guitar riffs are beautifully accompanied by Michals’ synthesizer and organ to give a polished overall sound (see metal guitarists? The keyboards CAN sound good and powerful with the heavy guitars, just something to take into consideration!). The piano tones and mellotron sound incredibly crisp as does the production overall. A special mention needs to be made to Michals’ keyboard tone during his solo which sounds like what the cookie monster would come up with if he took up the keyboards, incredible tone!! But the bass and drums really shine on this track. 4.75/5
3. Egoist Hedonist (8:57): The songs get longer as we advance (how progressive is that?!). The third track is divided into 3 parts, albeit with good transitions. We go straight to the first verse with spacey keyboards and a simple guitar rhythm before the groovy bass comes in and then we’re treated to one of the heaviest riffs of the album, wow. It goes long enough to stay enjoyable with that exquisite organ coming into the fray. Groovy drumming in the second verse before we get to another great fun riff with a horn section that’s so simple that it was probably taken from the book “The basic guide to brass instruments” but it works so well. Nonsensical slurs whispered by Mariusz with funky guitar playing by Piotr G lead us to the guitar solo and another atmospheric section. THEN we get to the powerhouse section. These guys write innovative riffs for fun! 3 minutes of pure instrumental bliss, prog metal style, with very tasteful guitar and bass playing, an incredibly organic sounding synthesized strings tone on the keyboards, and very inventive drumming. All of that in under 9 minutes! 4.75/5
4. Left Out (10:59): Time to slow things down a bit, and we get into the double digits. To be honest I was anxious as I’ve found that Riversides’ longer compositions aren’t as prolific as their shorter ones. They have interesting melodies but they can get tiring and feel disjointed. Again Mariusz starts things off with Piotr G following with a catchy melody that will serve as the “theme” for the first half of the song. Mariusz’ vocals possess the perfect frailty to deliver the moving lyrics. The main theme is played with distorted guitars now with the foundation being provided by Michals’ unbelievably powerful organ like you’ve never heard before (who needs a second guitarist or a rhythm guitar layer when you have organs packing this much power!). The progressions are as sweet as Baskin Robbins’ mint chocolate chip ice cream, with the instrumental bridges ingeniously leading to the verses. Great guitar riffing and again incredible organs and synthesizers. I really felt Michal should’ve been allowed to unleash the organ for a bombastic solo, but alas we progress to the most serene section of the album with multiple layering over a soothing piano backdrop. It’s only instruments from here onward with technical progressive metal riffing, synths, organ, organ, and ORGAN! You can really tell how heavy the guitar is on this track. A little homage to deep purple snuck in there at the end to complete an almost flawless progressive masterpiece (with the exception of the organ solo). 4.75/5
5. Hybrid Times (11:53): The final and longest track of the album (has it only been 33 minutes?). Michal starts proceedings with the main theme on the piano (piano tone on the keyboard, don’t bash me), and it’s a great melody that returns in various interesting arrangements. This track carried by Mariusz and Michal, with great contributions from the remaining pair, boy do these guys work well together. It’s very heavy but classily done with shifting time signatures, great transitions, cool effects, great bass tones and riffs, powerful drumming, and one of the best choruses Riverside have ever conjured up. This is the song with the most intriguing vocal lines and diversity with both soothing vocals and aggressive grunts and growls to add that extra bit of attitude. The wailing theremin really adds tension to the powerful climax which is concluded with Piotr K’s intense blast beats, and there are still 3 minutes remaining. Michal treads further into electronic territory (which I had my reservations with initially, but which I have come to love now), with experimentation and Mariusz’ lyricless vocals and wails. The second climax arrives with the organ fading in (mixing the organ with electronica? GENIOUS!) and Piotr Ks’ drums leading us to the end of an epic progressive metal masterpiece. 5/5
What a journey it’s been, sure it’s only 44 odd minutes but it feels more complete than most 70 minute albums. The desire to compose a more cohesive album could not have had a better outcome.
Remember the point I made regarding “understanding” aspects of the album? It took me a few listens to finally realize the answer to those questions of mine. The groovy, funky elements, the falsettos, the nonsensical slurs, the aggression, the experimentation, the horns, etc. These elements were naturally coming out of a band that is at the top of its game and enjoying the hell out of every minute of it. This album never feels contrived or exhausting; on the contrary, it is so enjoyable and has an incredible ‘fun factor’ which makes it such a joy to listen to.
I’m going to be biased and say that I enjoyed Michals’ contributions the most (I’m a huge fan), and secondly I have to mention the incredible drumming by Mr. Piotr K. But this album really felt like a band effort with everyone contributing immensely. Riverside I have officially been converted.
Well this review’s gone on for long enough now but there’s one last important point I need to mention. The album hasn’t been received well by a lot of Riverside fans and I understand your objections. The band had just released a trilogy of albums with their distinct sound and this album was the next logical progression. They’re smart enough not to restrict themselves and have explored different avenues more extensively to keep things fresh. Once you accept the “new sound” you won’t have to dig very deep to find an extraordinarily rich layer of creative songwriting and musicality. Give this album another try with this in mind and trust me, you shall be rewarded.
Special mentions:
• Hyperactive: Aggressive riff with synthesizer after the bridge following the second verse
• Driven to Destruction: Cookie monster keyboard tone
• Egoist Hedonist: Horn section
• Organ: I have never heard the organ sound better in a rock/metal context, sorry Mr. John Lord but you need to check this out to believe it! WOW!
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prolly the only one I haven't heard from these guys, review is toooooooo
long to read but pos anyways cuz your reviewing good prog, not that haken shit
Digging: Wintersun - Time
| | | Album Rating: 4
its a good album but doesn't hold a candle to their first 3
Digging: Titus Andronicus - The Monitor | | | Album Rating: 3
2 reviews with 5 rating?
I consider this their weakest album, the production is good but there are barely memorable moments. The riffs aren't anything special and the structures are kinda messed up- bad climaxing and decent melodies
review is huge. You should expect that few people will read it
Digging: Goldie - Timeless | | | Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off
Band and album rule hard
Digging: Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight Digging: Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight | | |
I shall check this album out.
Digging: Taal - Skymind Digging: Taal - Skymind
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
This is their worst album imo
Their first two albums are by the far the best things they've done
Digging: Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here | | | Album Rating: 5
Yeah I realise the review's too long, even I was exhausted by the end of it. But I had so much to say, will definitely need to trim excess fat in future reviews.
Digging: Mekaal Hasan Band - Sampooran Digging: Mekaal Hasan Band - Sampooran | | | Album Rating: 3.5
I actually did read the whole thing. I can dig long reviews like this if they're enjoyable to read, which this was.
| | | Album Rating: 5
Much appreciated  . Sooo..... Your album ratings not going up from 3.5 is it? :P.
| | | Album Rating: 5
Btw if anyone's interested in jazz rock with a mix of eastern classical elements there's a good Pakistani band you should check out (I know it seems like cheap publicity). The band is the Mekaal Hasan Band (which I'm currently "digging"). I've created their page on sputnik and you can go to their homepage. You can ask me if you have further queries (and no I have no direct relation with the band).
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Nah, this is mostly enjoyable but it just doesn't have that epic quality that their first two albums have for me. Plus I actually get a bit tired of the in-your-face keyboards in this album after a while. I do love Egoist Hedonist though.
| | | Album Rating: 5
It's lengthy, yes, but I say it's decently written and detailed enough to merit a pos'd vote from the other 5 reviewer. Spun this album tonight and it still owns faces, but it also helps me through personal stuff as well.
Digging: Anathema - Weather Systems Digging: Anathema - Weather Systems | | |
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