OUT OF MYSELF

Described as Progressive Metal, the Polish four-piece RIVERSIDE feel much more like a heavy space-rock band. This, their debut, establishes the band as a serious heavyweight on the progressive scene.

There is real depth to the music. The keyboards and guitar brush the space-rock canvas with broad strokes, but unlike many other bands of this type the bass and drums are also excellent and an essential part of the sound. Least convincing are the vocals, but I have to remind myself MARIUSZ DUDA is singing in a language other than his native tongue.

As might be expected, this debut is not without its obvious influences. You can hear PINK FLOYD, ANATHEMA, PORCUPINE TREE and DREAM THEATER, but that's no bad thing and can be tolerated in a first record.

The album begins with the outstanding 'The Same River', which over seven minutes sets out the band's stall, before the vocals emerge. Well-integrated sound fx, smooth, ethereal keyboards, the requisite soaring guitar, crushing distorted riffs and an excellent rhythm section. And the vocal hook ('I know I'll ... always ...love') to me marks the genius of this band: they know how to compose great music, saving something for the vocals.

The rest of the album does not quite reach these five-star heights again. Oddly, the title track is one of the weakest on the album, pure and formulaic prog metal a la ANATHEMA. 'I Believe' is a fair ballad, followed by the instrumental 'Reality Dream I', a DREAM THEATER-ish track with a haunting central section. It's counterpart, helpfully titled 'Reality Dream II', is a continuation. 'Loose Heart' is another, heavier ballad, as is 'In Two Minds'. The bass does a fair ROGER WATERS impersonation in 'Curtain Falls'. None of the remaining tracks are poor, but none have that wonderful spark of the opening track.

A promising debut, and that promise was to be realised on their next release.