RIVERSIDE — Second Life Syndrome (review)

RIVERSIDE — Second Life Syndrome album cover Album · 2005 · Metal Related Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Stephen
I turn my attention to "Second Life Syndrome" after reading so many positive appraisal on this album and apparently my decision to grab this album didn't disappoint me at all as after only a single spin, this album hooks me instantly with a right amount of progressive metal, psychedelic ambience, catchy hooks, and great musical delivery. I wouldn't argue if many claimed that Riverside's musical style is a smart combination of Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, and Tool, as I discovered many elements derived from those bands, but they're not necessarily imitating, instead they blend those aspects into their own signature soundscape.

The overture, "After", is truly a great song, like a haunting and hypnotic prayer, it sends a chill to my spine. The follow-up, "Volte Face", stretched to 8 minutes and full of progressive metal moments with heavy riffin' and you can hear a hint of middle eastern flavour at the end of the song. "Conceiving You" is a beautiful downtempo soothing ballad, similar with the spacey "I Turned You Down", but I pick "Conceiving" as a stronger song. "Artificial Smile" is an enigmatic track with catchy easy-access riffage and Duda's hellish scream at the later part of the song is admirable. "Reality Dream III" started with Lapaj's dreamy keyboard before burst with Grudzinski's heavy riffin, this one is clearly a Dream Theater influenced instrumental track.

The title track, emerged as their greatest piece of the album, weaving to almost 16 minutes, this became the longest epic of the album. The journey started slow with Pink Floyd-ish guitar style before Duda's floating voice creeps in with his gentle bass slap. Riverside put a thrilling experience on every minute of the song, created a spectacular atmosphere from start to finish. This is definitely their best song and my most fave part of the album. "Dance With The Shadow" shown a good chaotic combo of psychedelic and progressive metal while "Before" fades the album out with a good slow tempo manner.

I recalled that this isn't my first experience with Riverside as I already had a copy of their debut, "Out of My Self", which I only gave couple of spins years ago and put it safe on the shelf. I found back then they're a good band but didn't arouse my interest to explore further, but with "Second Life Syndrome", this changed my whole opinion about them. I don't know yet if this is their masterpiece or not, but one thing I know is a five stars rating isn't too much to give.
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