Anno Domini High Definition [SPECIAL EDITION]

Riverside

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 28, 2009)
• Original Release Date: June 23, 2009
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Special Edition
• Label: InsideOut Music
• ASIN: B0026ZNL7Q
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #50,670 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Hyperactive

2. Driven To Destruction

3. Egoist Hedonist

4. Left Out

5. Hybrid Times

Disc: 2

1. Volte - Face

2. I Turned You Down

3. Reality Dream III

4. Beyond The Eyelids

5. Conceiving You

6. Ultimate Trip

7. Panic Room

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Riverside have composed an album which is a perfect reflection of our times. An offering full of symbolism starting with the fact that the title of their fourth release consists of four words and that the album is precisely 44:44 minutes long and an intelligent take on current reality. Anno Domini High Definition is not a concept album in the classic sense, although it features a central theme and a haunting message. "It's an album about people who know they need to speed up or they'll get left behind", singer Mariusz Duda summarizes regarding the tracks. Experts have called Riverside a stylistic mix of Tool, Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater, but Duda reckons that other influences are more dominant on Anno Domini High Definition: "We wanted to reflect the energy of the early 70's and combine it with modern sounds. But at the end of the day, this record ultimately sounds like Riverside." This Special Edition incl. Bonus DVD (Live in Amsterdam 2008) in a lavish Digipack version!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Progressive-Ambient Rock Ecstasy, July 28, 2009

By	Prog-Rev-Elation "ProgRevElation" (ALLover) - See all my reviews

Although Riverside bears some similarities to other bands in the progressive genre, they have managed to carve out a place that is unique - distinctly their own. They truly have a signature sound.

This album pours out the usual ambient, psychedelic, and metal mixtures that capture your attention, and take you on a mental, imaginary journey of musical ecstasy for its brief length of 44 minutes (and 44 seconds).

If any musician stands out in this album (they are all outstanding) it is the keyboard player who adds flavor after flavor, sound diversity and effects, who paints a musical picture that takes more than a thousand words to describe. The use of the Hammond organ adds a great feel to the songs, a 70's recollection, yet perfectly new millennium at the same time.

Passionate vocals with some intentional voice cracking, solid guitar - a cross of Gilmour and Petrucci, energetic drumming, creative basslines, even some horns, and absolutely perfect keyboard sounds/effects all add to a GREAT Riverside album. IMO, their best offering to date.

I am completely impressed by this band's consistent excellence. Do yourself a favor, buy this album, give it half a dozen spins (at least), and discover one of the most exciting bands to emerge on the music scene in a long time.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A new direction, July 28, 2009

By	WillieB - See all my reviews

For me, what makes Riverside stand out is the vocal talent of Mariusz. He has an emotional tone that fits this style of music to a tea. Even his screams/growls are done tastefully. This release has more of an upbeat aggressive classic rock vibe, a different direction for the group, and I like it. There are some mellow passages but no ballads. Good job on the production. All instruments blend well, the keyboards are more pronounced in the mix, there seems to be more vocal overdubs than usual (makes a really thick sound), and the bass is punchy and audible. Also, I really like the jazzy brass section on "Egoist Hedonist". Nice change of pace, I wish it lasted longer.

I'll probably never have the opportunity to see Riverside live so this 40-minute DVD is the next best thing. The video quality is average and the audio mix is stereo only. The set list and the performance are good but the other band mates need to step up and do more backing vocals. Also, they seem to be timid, lacking in confidence onstage.

Overall, I like the new direction Riverside has taken. This is a killer disc that gets better with every listen and will be one of my contenders for album of the year.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Fours, July 28, 2009

By	Glenn O. Kirms (Anywhere, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Call it superstition or karma, but I guess the fours have to mean something here. Four words to the title of the album and then 44 minutes and 44 seconds in length. I have had this release since June and this is another great album from this band that hails from Poland. While you can call it progressive, ambient, eclectic Riverside has a sound all its own and that's what drove me to them in the first place. There is just something unique that they deliver album after album. Each song here is a keeper and won't disappoint. If you haven't tried Riverside before then this would be a great start to add to your collection. The only negative would have to be the length. But if you desire more then check out lead singer Mariusz's side project "Lunatic Soul". A little bit more somber, but still a great listen.