Anno Domini High Definition
Riverside · 2009
44 min · 5 tracks · progressive metal
A complex tapestry of progressive metal and rock, blending intricate compositions with introspective themes and dynamic shifts.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hyperactive Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Egoist Hedonist: I. Different? / II. Hedonist Party / III. Straw Man Dance — This multi-part suite serves as a thematic centerpiece, exploring existential questions and societal critiques through complex musical arrangements and shifting moods.
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Driven to Destruction — With its aggressive instrumentation and introspective lyrics, this track encapsulates the struggle between personal ambition and moral conflict, resonating deeply with listeners.
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Hybrid Times — The closing track blends atmospheric elements with powerful crescendos, reflecting the band's ability to merge emotional weight with technical prowess in their songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate compositions and dynamic shifts create a compelling listening experience within progressive metal.
What we noticed
- The album features five tracks, with the longest being over 13 minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages and thematic development.
- The first two tracks maintain a high energy level before the pacing shifts significantly in the fourth track, creating a dynamic contrast.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- gradual build to powerful conclusion
- intense exploration of existential themes
- atmospheric soundscapes for immersion
- focused listening for deep engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, catchy tracks
- avoid lengthy, complex compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Riverside's ambition and complexity, receiving significant critical acclaim.
- Career context
- By the time 'Anno Domini High Definition' was released in 2009, Riverside had established themselves as a key player in the progressive metal scene following their acclaimed album 'Rapid Eye Movement' in 2007. This release marked their fourth studio album, showcasing a more mature sound and solidifying their artistic direction.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Porcupine Tree· Opeth· Dream Theater
Tracklist
- 1 Hyperactive Start here 5:46
- 2 Driven to Destruction 7:06
- 3 Egoist Hedonist: I. Different? / II. Hedonist Party / III. Straw Man Dance 8:57
- 4 Left Out 10:59
- 5 Hybrid Times 11:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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