OUT OF MYSELF

This was my second encounter with the band that I consider to be one of the true innovators of the modern Progressive Metal scene. After hearing Second Life Syndrome it left me craving for more so Out Of Myself was the logical direction to go, considering this was 2006.

This debut album didn't feel as balanced as their mighty follow-up. Although I could spot the Riverside signature sound on this release it left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied by the overall experience. In fact I will go as far as to say that it's my least favorite Riverside album of their first four studio releases.

My reasoning has to do with a certain trend that I've observed with many starting up metal band. Just like Tool's Undertow and a few other debuts this album shows us the band we all learned to love but without that spark/edge that is so apparent on their later releases. Which is completely understandable since everybody has to start somewhere.

To me this is a fun little experience but I can't go further than calling it a good, but non-essential release.

**** star songs: The Same River (12:01) Out Of Myself (3:43) Reality Dream (6:15) Reality Dream II (4:45) In Two Minds (4:38) The Curtain Falls (7:59)

*** star songs: I Believe (4:14) Loose Heart (4:50) OK (4:46)

Total rating: 3,74