OUT OF MYSELF

I finally decided to write my first review and for this occasion, surely much consideration would have to be placed in choosing the album. Should I go with my favourite masterpieces from the 70's or one of those lesser known albums with only a handful of reviews?

Eventually I chose Riverside's Out of Myself, simply because it started it all. This is the album that opened my eyes (or should I say ears?) to prog. If not it, I wouldn't even have discovered this site in the first place. Personally, it has a special meaning for me and I see it as a marker of my coming of age. A friend introduced it to me 4 years ago when I was 18 and music was never the same for me after that. Enough with my sentimental ramblings.

A word of warning: since this album means much to me, this would mean that this review is somewhat biased :)

However, I do consider Out of Myself a 5 star album even after factoring out the 'fanboyism' out of the equation. The first time I listened to this album I was just speechless, at that time I've been a metal fan for years but this just blew my mind. If there's such a thing as an 'eargasm', this is it! The experience left me wanting for more and thus, my journey into the world of prog.

The musicianship is top notch, the melodies moving and the atmosphere dark and intense. I still consider the opener, 'The Same River' the definitive Riverside sound signature. From punching riffs to mellow and yet powerful bass lines, it got it all. The rest of the album follows this formula to good effect and the final product is just breathtaking (keeping in mind this is just their debut after all!).

Envelop yourself in darkness, close your eyes, and let your mind drift in this maze of aural perfection.