Atmospheric, emotionate, a mix of art rock and metal with dark tones - finally... Riverside has come up with a follow-up to last year's "Out of Myself". Having heard their debut album, my expectations were rather high regarding Second Life Syndrome. Fortunately it manages to maintain the high level of quality, as the Polish band has progressed even further with their art. One of the most noticeable changes on this album compared to the debut is the change of keyboardist - Jacek Melnicki was replaced by Michal Tapaj, whose elegant keyboard parts create most the atmosphere.

Although Second Life Syndrome introduces some new sides of Riverside, it still remains true to what impressed me the most on their debut: touching vocals, airy guitar leads and strong atmosphere. As on the debut, Mariusz Duda's voice is especially good, and this time 'round he introduces a new rougher side of his singing... at times the dynamic range of the music is fortified by a grunt.

The atmospheric details of this record come across effortlessly, since both the mix and mastering have been handled by rather talented studio engineers. In case you still haven't checked out Riverside, be sure to do so now... you won't regret it.

Visit Artist's Website


- MAGE (November 27th, 2005)

« back

LINE-UP:
Duda, Mariusz: Vocals, Bass Grudzinski, Piotr: Guitar Kozieradzki, Piotr: Drums Lapaj, Michal: Keyboards
Producer:	Unavailable
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. After 02. Volte-Face 03. Conceiving You 04. Second Life Syndrome 05. Artificial Smile 06. I Turned You Down 07. Reality Dream III 08. Dance with the Shadow 09. Before Length: 63:39