Customer Reviews

Out of Myself

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I always enjoy seeing something really great, from overseas, make a splash here in the states. So much really good import music goes virtually unnoticed here and it's really a shame. It's not that American musicians aren't capable of producing music of the quality of Riverside's Out of Myself, it just seems like they can't be bothered, because American buyers will line up, no matter what they peddle.

Out of Myself is being touted by many Progressive Rock aficionados as the best prog/rock album of 2004. I don't know about that but it is an exceptional album and I do enjoy it more than recent releases by Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and Pain of Salvation. Their music is atmospheric blend of aggressive prog metal and a smoother prog rock style and it is overwhelming. Their opening track, "The Same River" is a classic and may indeed be the Prog/rock track of the year. Twelve minutes of a haunting, predominantly instrumental masterpiece. It starts with special effects, a radio tuner spinning along the dial, static and all, leading into some Floydian guitar work. After a couple minutes we settle into a contagious, continuous guitar rhythm which permeates the song throughout, while ethereal vocals and soaring guitar solos run their course. There are some lyrics but they are near the end of this monster song: "I am your fear, hope - I am your grief, joy - I am your deed, word - I am your hate, love - I know... I can... Wanna stay..."

Next, the title track, "Out of Myself" is shorter but an equally potent track. Again the guitar is the main instrument, sometime soft and often heavy and crunchy. This is a busy song with lots happening and the singer, Duda is excellent singing lyrics like: "I don't feel quite myself. I think I'm losing heart. I'm sick and tired of all those words. Voices in my head"

The title track is followed by a very good easy going song, "I Believe" featuring an acoustic guitar and double track singing. This song reminds me of one of Mikael Akerfeldt's milder endeavors. Then comes another five star number in the six minute "Reality Dream," another hard driving number, sort of like an instrumental version of the title track. Track Five, "Loose Heart" is like an atmospheric power ballad but it gets real heavy including screaming vocals right at the end: "Raise me up. Don't let me fall. Cause I don't get myself. I feel like I felt before. But can't find my way "

"Reality Dream II" is a heavy guitar laden instrumental reprise of "Reality Dream" I, albeit shorter. "In Two Minds" Duda has an ambient melancholy sound with an accompanying, first acoustic then electric guitar. A synth plays a good part in the slow easy going number as well: "But if you lose your faith. Know that I am still your friend. And if the sky falls down. Know that I will still support you."

Track Eight, "The Curtain Falls" starts slowly with a sort of steel guitar flavor leading into Dud`s soft vocals. At first it sounds like something Chris Rea would sing but it does pick up nicely at the three-thirty mark, with some excellent progressive movements: "I know what I'm really like...I'm bleeding... I don't mind... That was very foolish of me. I can do nothing now
"

Ok, "OK", is my least favorite song but on this album that ain't bad. It is very slow and moody. It is a simple but effective song of heartbreak: "There's sadness in my mind - ok. There's darkness in my mind - ok. Thoughts echoing in my mind - ok. Everything is gonna be..."

Line-up
- Piotr Grudzinski / guitar
- Markus Duda / vocals, bass & guitar
- Piotr Kozieradzki / drums & percussion
- Jacek Melnicki / keyboards

Conclusion

Out of Myself is an album for those of you who appreciate good guitar playing. When I listen to this album I hear influences from all the masters but Riverside bows to no band. Their work is both original and wonderful. Yes I hear Floyd and Pain of Salvation and Porcupine Tree and Anathema and even Opeth but what I hear most is Riverside.

The music tends to be dark and dreamy. It's progressive but there are songs that could be right at home on the radio. Singer Markus Duda is an superlative singer and guitar player. His voice is a little like Opeth`s Mikael Akerfeldt. There is no question that the first two songs are the highlights but the remaining songs all stand on their own merits. For a debut album this is amazing. If you like great progressive rock/metal music dig out seventeen bucks and splurge. You won't be disappointed. Final Rating 4.5 Stars, rounded up.

Those who know me well acknowledge the fact that I'm a bit compulsive about the things I like. I have to admit I am that way to some extent. Some things I can't just casually enjoy, I get almost fanatical about them. Fortunately, that's only the case with a few selects things. Another thing that's part of my character, is a strong inclination towards the unconventional, that which hadn't been done yet or that which is extremely original and heartfelt. Right now, I can tell you of at least one band that fits all these bills: RIVERSIDE.

"Out of Myself", RIVERSIDE's debut album, is a concept album about one finding inner peace, understanding of himself and the surrounding world. According to the band's vocalist and bassist, Mariusz Duda, this is the first part of a trilogy dealing with the aforementioned subjects and, let me tell you, if the next two pieces are on par with this one, then I can't wait for them and this trilogy will become a huge classic.

I wouldn't say RIVERSIDE are strictly a progressive band but they surely approach it in a very strong manner. So much so that this album can clearly appeal to 70's progressive rock lovers. The closest they come to being really progressive is right on the first track, "The Same River", an ambitious 12 minute piece which goes through different moods and emotions, always showing a band that's unbelievably tight for a debut, aswell as instrumentally superior. Take for instance, right after the first section of the song, how ethereal the guitar that enters the scene at 04:40 really is. Piotr Kozieradzki's drum work is always precise yet rather complex and Michal Lapaj's keyboards provide a sweet backdrop to the song (and the rest of the album too).

Throughout the record, the idea I got is that RIVERSIDE are the perfect cross between PORCUPINE TREE (in the sense of ever present surprises and unexpected turns in their songs) and OPETH (especially with their "Damnation" album). In fact, Duda's vocals reminded me more than once of Mikael Akerfeldt's clean vocals. Also thrown in for good measure are some PINK FLOYD influences.

Speaking of Duda's vocals, rarely I listened to someone sing with such warmth and feeling. Take for example "I Believe", "Loose Heart" and especially "In Two Minds" which starts with a telephone-like sort of whispered and echoed voice (another PORCUPINE TREE trademark and possible influence) and then becomes crystal clear. This song's arrangement blew me away. This is top notch composition, as far as I'm concerned and Duda's vocals always give me goosebumps. Piotr Grudzinski's guitar work is also amazing and perfectly balanced.

"The Curtain Falls" is a more experimental tune, yet rather good, and "Ok" basically gives Duda singing softly over a sort of trip hop-ish backdrop. Interspersed within the album, are also two moody pieces "Reality Dream I" and "Reality Dream II" which serve the concept purpose of the album making use of interesting samples - the sound of a phone call producing a dial error, an alarm clock going off, a clock ticking. Both are probably the heaviest numbers on the album showing the metal side of the band. I suggest you check the section in "Reality Dream I" from 03:58 to 04:51 for the ultimate demonstration of what this band is instrumentally capable of, in particular the odd time signatures produced by Kozieradzki and of course Grudzinski's guitar work. The whole of "In Two Minds" show just how good Duda is as a singer.

The production is top notch and that's a relief because it would be a shame if such a truly beautiful piece of work got ruined by it. The worldwide release of "Out of Myself" features cover art designed by Travis Smith (of OPETH and ANATHEMA fame) which pretty much suits the underlying concept.

My compulsiveness towards the things I like may sometimes be a problem, but bear with me on this one. Usually when a band debuts with such a great album it either disbands immediately (CYNIC comes to mind) or is destined to great things. I sense RIVERSIDE are on the latter group. I just hope they get that little bit of luck everyone needs to succeed, because the talent, the emotion, the technique, the ability... well, it's all there. Saint-Exupery once said that "perfection is not achieved when there's nothing more to add but rather when there's nothing more to take away". While I don't claim "Out of Myself" to be perfect (despite the hands-down 5 star rating) it certainly comes very close to fitting that phrase.

You want to have this album. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I would have given this album 3.5 stars if it were possible. That is NOT to say it isnt a good album. Actually, its an excellent album and a terrific freshman prog-rock effort by these boys from Poland. This album was a great listen and highly recommended as a wonderful new group with good instrumentals and sound, but they are not breaking any "new" ground here and parallels to others are inevitable and rather obvious. I wasnt "blown away" but did find myself swaying in the wind by this album.
There are clear influences by Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Opeth and Porcupine Tree , to name just a few of the quintessential names that pop to mind as one listens to Riverside.
The guitar playing is very cool and they break out into clean solos which are very well played and has an excellent ambient sound. "Reality Dreams II" stands out a song with a nice guitar and drum ending.
The vocals are clean and the singer Duda has a nice range. Not influencing the listening pleasure but, I felt that a non-native English "accent" is clearly noted on most of the songs. This again is not to define any way that the language should sound (given that Brits and Americans differ on most words as well) but I guess I would hear a deviation from a "neutral" accent that seems to characterize most music vocals. As other reviewers have pointed out, the lead singer sounded a lot like Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth on many an occasion. I also found him sounding like Gavin from Dredg (especially on the song "loose heart"). This is purely a chronological phenomenon as one tends to compare with predecessors in the same genre.
One thing I would note though is comparisons to Floyd (or most great prog rock bands for that matter) are premature and definitely lacking from a purely lyrical perspective. The music is pretty cool, but they really need to work on their lyrics. They could easily be mistaken for some teen-angst ravings about lost love (which seems to be the theme of all the songs). "As you know/ I've always loved you and I know I will always love..."

All in all, this is a very promising band with an amalgam of sounds that seems to be influenced by all the greats and yet manages to have a sound of their own. Give it a listen and keep a ear out for future efforts from them.

Don't get me wrong, this is a thoroughly impressive debut album in a genre where it is so rare to see this kind of polish (har har) so early in their careers. Porcupine Tree, Opeth, even bands such as Dream Theater were still kind of finding their sounds before they really hit their stride.

And yes, the comparisons to PT and the non-death sound of Opeth are warranted. Lots of tricky time signatures with a silky ethereal background and some thundering guitars are the highlights here. The vocals are very good, though the lyrics are a rather mixed bag due to (probably) a lack of mastery of English.

The other place where "Out of Myself" stumbles is in the lead guitars, particularly when a solo is brought to the forefront (just about every song). There just isn't a lot of variety in playing - and while no means bad - you can start to easily predict where every melody is going after just a couple songs. Some of this is obviously done for effect (reprise), but it does get old.

The rhythm section really shines, as do most of the heavier guitar licks. This band may well be capable of great things in the future, but they will have to open up and experiment a little more with their leads.

(I don't plan on reviewing their second album, as it is not as strong, and suffers from the same flaws as this one.)

Alternatively beautiful, melancholy, and powerful, this is an impressive debut that fans of the aforementioned bands should not miss.

I regularly survey the progressive rock/metal scene hoping to find some decent new progressive talent. I have been appreciating prog since the seventies and even late sixties. In comparison to virtually all prog before it I can confidently state that Riverside is a phenomenon. There music is deliciously complex, crisp, intelligent, musically compelling and unexpected - the last of which is the best possible thing I could think to say of progressive music. The musicianship is top shelf. In a nod to Dream Theater, Riverside is clearly influenced by them but has one advantage - a decent vocalist. No, not decent, extraordinary - although decent would be enough to trump DT. Not only the lyrics, but the vocal melodies are well thought out and musically interesting. Riverside, with Out of Myself and Second Life Syndrome, is the band I have been waiting for since the mid eighties when When Dream and Day Unite came out.

For context, other contemporary prog artists I find to be quite good include, of course, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Green Carnation, Transatlantic, Spock's Beard (pre-Morse departure), Blackfield, and Siege's Even.

This is a masterpiece. If you love intense, complex, hauntingly beautiful progressive music then you can not dislike this work. I have never given a 5-star review before. This well deserves it. Congratulations Riverside, and keep the music coming!

Great to see that the previous reviewer stating he prefers this
CD to latest releases from Dream Theater/Pain of Salvaton and most notably Porcupine Tree.It is a bold statement to make but I couldnt agree with him more.Riverside's CD debut is monumental in every way.The two very first guitar notes are on a scale to Epic era Floyd.I was so captured by this new band that I travelled from Ireland to Holland just to see them (Twice for good measure).On the first night in Den Bosch,I was fortunate that the hotel was close to the venue,and as I was rushing for time,headed straight for the show.In the venue,I bought 3 way-cool t-shirts and the hard to find "Conceiving you" single with an unreleased track.I also had a great talk with Piotr (Lead Guitarist) before the gig,and was looking forward to getting all my 4 CDs signed after the gig.He may look rather intimidating,but you could not meet a nicer,friendlier,helpful guy in an age.The Den Bosch gig went down a storm,with Piotr's Pink Floyd guitar intro opening the show.Maurius (Vocals/Bass & Songwriter)is a Genius.His songwriting skills are extraordinary.On stage,he at times reminded me of Geddy Lee (Rush) and Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash) for his Bass playing posture,and from the middle of the venue,his physical appearance reminded me of Steve Wilson.I actually have a couple of earlier Bootleg CDs of Riverside in Europe from last year,and they actually ended the show with Porcupine Tree's "Radioactive Toy" - Not this time though.As the venue was extremely hot,and I was suffering from little sleep,I had to leave the autograph signing for another time.However,when I woke up in the hotel in the morning,I heard these foreign accents(Not Dutch) outside the door.When I opened the door,I saw this HUGE menacing figure with tattoos everywhere and only a towel covering his modesty.I couldnt believe it was the other Piotr (Drummer).What luck! I actually had a good chat with the band and got the CDs signed.Unfortunately,Mauiusz was not around,so I made the excuse that I would have to go to their next gig in Zoetermeer a few hours away. I got to meet Mauriusz and get the last remaining autograph,and for my troubles had to spend the night in Utrecht Station filled with beggars and undesirables for 7 hours as I missed the last train to my stop.I didnt give a damn,as this band are definitely worth it.
Oh,the CD. Out of myself IMO rates as one of the best prog debut's ever.The sound,songwriting,concept etc are faultless.
"The same river" is an EPIC opener and leads into the Title track which I can't get enough of.Here,Mauriusz displays his vocal talents in the way of Opeth screams,but this is how it should be done (i.e. when needed)."I Believe" is haunting yet beautiful in the same way as Tubular Bells for example.Loose heart and I two minds are also heartfelt classics.
Out of Myself is great, and what's even better news is that "Second Life Syndrome"(The follow up) keeps to the same formula,and is even better than OOM. How can that be so? Can hardly wait for the next release

This CD has already been released in Europe and the only thing I can say about it is that it absolutely ROCKS. The music is an amazing combination of progressive rock and heavy metal. If you like Queensryche, early Rush, Sylvan or Dream Theater, you're gonna love this. It's hard to name the best tracks on the album, because they're all great.

Riverside is a new band from Poland. Like wines, that leave you with hints of cherry, mint, rasberry, and oak, this band leaves you with hints of porcupine tree, depeche mode, pink floyd, king crimson, and lots of other important bands. But their sound is their own, and the music is addictive.

They are without a doubt the richest new band I've heard in a long long time. The production is immaculate,the playing, perfect. No showboating and no bombast. I dare say I could categorize this music. It is progressive yes, haunting, yet familiar and hypnotic. Has to be one of the best releases of 2004, for fans of this type of music.

I bought this CD after their second effort,Second life syndrome, so its hardly surprising that this is not quite as assured. Now that does not mean it is not a good CD, it still contains heady, intelligent rock with just the right amount of melodies, all out brash riffs, stunning "musicianship" all round. They each play their instruments with great accomplishment and tenacity and are worthy of being rated next to Porcupine tree, Pink Floyd, and thoroughly deserve such acclamations. If the improvement continues with each CD these guys release they may find a huge popularity and an eager audience for live shows! I recommend this to any prog fan and suggest you listen to the samplers on amazon or the prog archives, feast your ears!!

Riverside have proved themselves accomplished musicians with this wonderful album, displaying mature songwriting and skilled musicianship. Songs like 'Reality Dream - (Pt.1 & 2)' are heavily reminiscent of Dream Theater, while others, 'The Same River', have a very Opeth-like feel. Standout tracks include: 'The Same River', 'Out Of Myself', and 'The Curtain Falls'.

With accomplished lyrics, instrumental skill, and a steady vision, Riverside have created a stunning album that promises a bright future for them. 4.5 stars.