Out of Myself cover

Out of Myself

Riverside · 2003

53 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

A haunting blend of atmospheric melodies and intricate rhythms, fusing progressive rock with metal's intensity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Same River Start here — Clocking in at over twelve minutes, this track encapsulates Riverside's expansive soundscapes and complex arrangements, serving as a signature piece for the band's early style.
  • →
    Out of Myself — The title track features introspective lyrics and a captivating melody that showcases the band's ability to blend emotional vulnerability with musical sophistication.
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    Reality Dream II — This track stands out for its seamless transitions between heavy instrumentation and melodic passages, illustrating Riverside’s dynamic range and compositional skill.
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    In Two Minds — With its thought-provoking lyrics about internal conflict, this song highlights Riverside’s lyrical depth while maintaining an engaging melodic structure.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends atmospheric elements with intricate rhythms, establishing Riverside's identity in progressive metal.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow, atmospheric build that transitions into heavier instrumentation, setting a dynamic contrast for the album.
  • The album includes recurring motifs and themes across tracks, particularly in 'Reality Dream' and its sequel, creating a cohesive narrative thread.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • atmospheric background focus
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This debut album established Riverside's reputation in progressive rock and metal.
Career context
Released in December 2003, Out of Myself is Riverside's debut album, marking the beginning of their journey in the progressive rock and metal scene. At this point, the band was establishing their identity after forming just a year prior, showcasing a distinctive sound that would influence their subsequent works.
Stylistic neighbors
Porcupine Tree· Opeth· Dream Theater

Tracklist

  • 1 The Same River Start here 12:01
  • 2 Out of Myself 3:43
  • 3 I Believe 4:14
  • 4 Reality Dream 6:15
  • 5 Loose Heart 4:50
  • 6 Reality Dream II 4:45
  • 7 In Two Minds 4:38
  • 8 The Curtain Falls 7:59
  • 9 OK 4:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata