Review: Riverside – Wasteland

Album Review

Riverside - Wasteland

Immerse yourself in the dystopian nightmare of Riverside's "Wasteland." With a blend of haunting melodies and powerful arrangements, this Polish three-piece captivates fans of Ghost, Rasmus, and Porcupine Tree. Michał Łapaj's keyboards and Hammond Organ, alongside Piotr Kozieradzki's intense and calculated drumming, complement the cleverly intertwining harmonies throughout the album.

Mariusz Duda takes the helm as composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, showcasing his talent on bass, banjo, guitars, and even the piccolo. From the cool and gentle ballad of "River Down Below" to the rockier Muse-like tune of "Vale of Tears," the album offers diverse musical experiences. "Lament" echoes prog influences, starting with a Zeppelin-esque vibe and culminating in a System of a Down-inspired finish. Standout tracks like "Guardian Angel" and "The Struggle for Survival" demonstrate the band's departure from their previous electronic/industrial sounds heard in 2016's "Eye of the Soundscape."

Rating: 7/10

Label: InsideOut Music