Reality Dream
Riverside · 2008
105 min · 14 tracks · progressive metal
Ethereal melodies intertwine with heavy riffs, creating a haunting landscape of progressive metal that invites introspection and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Same River Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its sweeping melodies and intricate instrumentation, representing the band's signature sound effectively.
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Volte-Face — A standout for its dynamic shifts between serene passages and heavier segments, this track encapsulates Riverside's ability to blend emotion and technicality seamlessly.
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Reality Dream III — As part of a recurring theme in Riverside’s discography, this track showcases the band's lyrical depth while maintaining an engaging musical structure that resonates with listeners.
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Second Life Syndrome — The lengthy composition explores existential themes through complex rhythms and harmonies, making it a quintessential representation of Riverside's artistic vision.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious compositions and thematic depth, rewarding repeated listens with its intricate structures.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for complex arrangements and gradual build-ups.
- The first half of the album maintains a heavier sound with intricate guitar riffs, while the second half shifts towards more atmospheric and melodic elements.
- Recurring motifs and themes are developed throughout the tracks, creating a cohesive narrative that invites deeper listening.
- 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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- immersive late-night exploration
- dynamic emotional contrasts
- thoughtful headphone listening experience
- cathartic journey through sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, catchy tracks
- seek straightforward, predictable songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Riverside's ambitious composition and thematic depth, marking an evolution in their sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2008, 'Reality Dream' marked Riverside's fourth studio album, following their acclaimed release 'Second Life Syndrome.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the progressive rock and metal scenes, having developed a distinct sound characterized by complex arrangements and evocative lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Porcupine Tree· Opeth· Dream Theater
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 The Same River Start here 11:31
- 2 Out of Myself 3:39
- 3 Volte-Face 8:47
- 4 Rainbow Box 3:35
- 5 02 Panic Room 4:09
- 6 I Turned You Down 5:04
- 7 Reality Dream III 4:57
- 8 The Curtain Falls 9:38
Disc 2
- 1 Parasomnia 7:45
- 2 Second Life Syndrome 16:12
- 3 Back to the River 6:15
- 4 Conceiving You 3:39
- 5 Before 6:08
- 6 Ultimate Trip 13:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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