SECOND LIFE SYNDROME

My first encounter with Riverside took place when I had bought their newest record, Anno Domini High Definition. I was bewitched, It turned out to be highly addictive. But after a few weeks with ADHD I decided to check, apparently, their opus magnum, Second Life Syndrome.

Now it's obvious to me which Riverside album is the best one. Second Life Syndrome is that kind of musical work which transfix with genuine passion and emotions. All tracks are there on purpose, making up one consistent musical creation - it's a real masterpiece of progressive rock!

Since many reviewers compare this record to Anathema, Marillion, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd and Opeth (quite wide range of genres, isn't it?) I will try to avoid such comparisons. For me Second Life Syndrome is, first of all, an album of honest emotions expressed in a bit vintage sounding prog metal convention. Beautiful work of hammonds and ephemeral synths combined with understated, emotional guitar riffs and solos, nice bass work and fantastic vocals - in this way I would describe this masterpiece.

There are only two tracks I won't call masterpieces, but still like them. I mean Artificial Smile and Before. The first one seems to be a bit out of the concept (I do not mean the lyrics). It's punk in a way, more aggressive at first glance, but it developes into very good prog metal song. Before on the other hand is a kind of outro, it's good also but not as good as the other songs.

I highly recommend this album since it is great atmospheric progressive rock/metal. 9/10