RIVERSIDE — Shrine of New Generation Slaves (review)

RIVERSIDE — Shrine of New Generation Slaves album cover Album · 2013 · Metal Related Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"Shrine of New Generation Slaves" is the 5th full-length studio album by Polish progressive rock/ metal act Riverside. The album was released through InsideOut Music in January 2013. It´s the follow up to "Anno Domini High Definition" from 2009. Although Riverside have released a couple of minor releases in their intermediate years, it´s the longest time between album releases yet in the band´s discography.

To my ears the long break has done the band good. Maybe they´ve had some time to reflect on the direction of their music because "Shrine of New Generation Slaves" is a more mellow and subtle release than "Anno Domini High Definition (2009)" was. It´s also a more tasteful release and the full blown progressive metal sections on "Anno Domini High Definition (2009)" are not present on "Shrine of New Generation Slaves". Riverside are still capable of playing more metal oriented sections, but they are typically delivered in a 70s influenced hard rocking style that reminds me of Deep Purple or Rainbow, rather than the more contemporary progressive metal sound on the predecessor. I think it´s an important step back to what Riverside really excel in. Paired with their neo progressive Marillion influence and the alternative/progressive rock influence from a band like Porcupine Tree, "Shrine of New Generation Slaves" works really well to my ears. I don´t necessarily think, they are the most original sounding band, but they are really successful in making all their influences work together and thereby creating an impactful sound.

One of their greatest strengths is the emotional delivery and strong voice of lead vocalist/bassist Mariusz Duda, but the band are generally very well playing. Add to that a detailed and organic sound production and "Shrine of New Generation Slaves" really comes off as a high quality release. I´d call the whole album one big highlight, but hard pressed I´d chose tracks like "We got used to Us" and the 12:41 minutes long epic track "Escalator Shrine" as some of the standout tracks on the album. I know other people are far more impressed by "Anno Domini High Definition (2009)" than I am, but to my ears "Shrine of New Generation Slaves" is a welcome back to form and all in all a very enjoyable listen. A 4 - 4.5 star (85%) rating is deserved.
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