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Riverside: Anno Domini High Definition-Special Edition CD/DVD

Anno Domini High Definition is another quality CD from Riverside, throw in the additional seven tracks on the very good "Live in Amsterdam" DVD, (which comes as a bonus with the special edition) and you basically can't go wrong.

Riverside's fourth album is the start of a new phase, with their previous trilogy now completed, culminating with that very fine CD Rapid Eye Movement from 2007. Riverside's albums have their appeal with both the progressive rock and metal fans; well Anno Domini High Definition will see that pattern continue, as this one also has a great mix of light and heavy music. Anno Domini High Definition is a vibrant release, as Riverside sound energized, their arrangements are intricate and robust, yet it's not a full on concept release as such, but there is a theme reflecting the times that we live in.

"Hyperactive" is the first and shortest of five tracks, a brief keyboard introduction is replaced by the sounds of heavier and masterly performed progressive musicianship, and speaking of keyboards this CD has its share including those very fitting organ sounds. Mariusz Duda's punchy bass playing brings "Driven To Destruction" to life, as the band kicks into the groove. Riverside's music could never be labeled as monotonous or boring, certainly not with those like "Egoist Hedonist", this stellar track is a glowing testament to that and the following "Left Out". "Hybrid Times" is quite the heavy way to conclude Anno Domini High Definition, and again Riverside's enthralling music really sweeps you away. Then it's all over, but you are more than content, knowing what a great CD you have to revisit.

Riverside have another gem with Anno Domini High Definition, and the fact is that other progressive bands should be looking over their shoulders, as one day they may well see Riverside go shooting past.


Track list:
1.Hyperactive
2.Driven To Destruction
3.Egoist Hedonist
4.Left Out
5.Hybrid Times
Bonus DVD: Live in Amsterdam
1.Volte-Face
2.I Turned You Down
3.Reality Dream III
4.Beyond The Eyelids
5.Conceiving You
6.Ultimate Trip
7.Panic Room

Added: October 27th 2009
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 5241
Language: english

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Riverside: Anno Domini High Definition-Special Edition CD/DVD
Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2009-10-27 17:48:57
My Score:

Riverside is quickly becoming one of those bands who you can really count on to release powerful musical statements time and time again. On thier latest Anno Domini High Definition, the Polish four-piece once again combine progressive rock and metal styles for a sound that is truly their own, littered with moments of classy atmosphere, crunchy & metallic bursts of heavier passages, and symphonic, often times spacey prog. It's a winning combination, and the boys sound on top of their game here on Anno Domini High Definition.

Comprised of only five tracks and with a running time of nearly 45 minutes, you can expect epic Riverside from start to finish. Opening track "Hyperactive" is like a head on collision between Porcupine Tree and Deep Purple, raging guitar & Hammond riffs fuel bombastic arrangements and a mix of melodic and gruff vocals from bassist Mariusz Duda. The more spacey "Driven to Destruction" brings to mind Tool, Porcupine Tree, and even Pink Floyd, as searing guitar lines from Piotr Grudzinksi clash with stabbing synth tones courtesy of Michal Lapaj, while "Egoist Hedonist" is a full on raging progressive metal, complete with thick riffs, bubbling synths, hard driving Hammond, and some steady drum work from Piotr Kozieradzki. Duda's vocals on this one run the full spectrum from soothing melodic, gruff, to a sort of Korn inspired scat, and the inclusion of some brass on the middle section adds a nice touch to the piece. The two ending epics, "Left Out" and "Hybrid Times" show just what makes this band so great. Packed with gorgeous melodies, extended prog-rock instrumental workouts, and some metal thump, these two numbers are worth the price of admission alone. The music at times is absolutely breathtaking!

It's been amazing to watch the growth of this band since their inception, and I can easily say that Anno Domini High Definition is their crowning achievement up to this point, an outstanding release among a discography of stellar material. If this band isn't considered among the elite in the prog world after everyone' s had a chance to hear this release there's seriously something wrong with the world. One of 2009's best releases!



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