ANNO DOMINI HIGH DEFINITION

This is some album. It really is terrific, hard-hitting, melow and aggressive. We have heard most of it before from this magnificent Polish metal band; their first three records are an excellent blend of 'metalish' and melancolic elements and this really is no exception. They have, however, managed to take a further step in their musical development which is what makes 'Anno Domini High Definition' a joy for the ears.

There is only five tracks on this album and it has still got several progressive elements, but it is not as complex as you would probably expect. 'Rapid Eye Movement' (their third studio release) was somewhat of a dissapointment following two excellent releases and I have a feeling they, with 'Anno Domini', are trying to return to what made 'Out of Myself' and especially 'Second Life Syndrom' so great. And I have to say: mission accomplished.

One of the greatest elements of the first part of 'Anno Domini' is its aggressiveness á la the two tracks 'Artificial Smile' and 'I Turned You Down' from 'Second Life Syndrom'. The first two tracks and the first part of the third are all carrying this aggressiveness. While 'Hyperactive' and 'Driven to Destruction' are both somewhat 'classic' RIVERSIDE, and great hard-rocking openers, 'Egoist Hedonist' is the track which transforms this record into something speciel.

The first part of 'Egoist Hedonist' is absolutely astounding; instrumentally interesting and challenging with a few electronic elements which really suits the track. After six minutes or so the track changes into a 'classic' RIVERSIDE instrumental part which does not really add anything to neither the track nor the album as a whole.

'Left Out' is probably the pick of the album. The tempo is taken out after the finish of 'Egoist Hedonist' and the guitar work here is excellent. It is a mellow, beautiful track which is made ever so perfect with the organ and electronic elements. This track will grow on you and is as good as it gets from RIVERSIDE - at least for now.

'Hybrid Times' finishes the album off in style. It is a bit more heavy than 'Left Out', but almost as well-written a composition of progressive rock music and it will definitely grow on you as well. What makes the final three tracks so great are their inpredictability and 'Left Out' and 'Hybrid Times' is what differentiates 'Anno Domini' from being a good record to an excellent record.

'Left Out', 'Hybrid Times' and the first six minutes of 'Egoist Hedonist' are worth five stars, but the final part of 'Anno Domini' lacks that little bit of extra quality to make it a true masterpiece. I will not rule out that in time, the record might win me completely over, but for now this is a four-star record.

RIVERSIDE has risen from 'Rapid Eye Movement' (though still a decent album it is not of the same standard as their previous two) to prove that they are amongst the leading acts on the progressive metal scene.

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