Wasteland
Riverside · 2018
50 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal
A haunting blend of progressive metal and rock that explores themes of loss and survival through atmospheric soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Acid Rain Start here — This track stands out for its dynamic shifts between heavy riffs and softer passages, encapsulating the album's exploration of despair and hope.
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Guardian Angel — The song features poignant lyrical content that reflects on loss and protection, making it a resonant centerpiece of the album.
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Wasteland — The title track encapsulates the overarching themes of survival amidst desolation, with intricate instrumentation that showcases the band's technical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends emotional depth with progressive metal elements, showcasing Riverside's evolving sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'The Day After', layering atmospheric synths before introducing heavy guitar riffs.
- Each track features dynamic shifts, often transitioning from soft, melodic passages to intense, aggressive sections.
- The final track, 'The Night Before', concludes with an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long immersive listening sessions
- atmospheric background focus
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a significant emotional depth and marks a return to form after a loss.
- Moods
- Melancholy· Dark
- Career context
- Released on September 28, 2018, 'Wasteland' is Riverside's sixth studio album and their first after the passing of founding member Piotr Grudziński in 2016. This album represents a significant emotional pivot for the band, as they grapple with grief while continuing to explore their signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Porcupine Tree· Opeth· Dream Theater
Tracklist
- 1 The Day After 1:48
- 2 Acid Rain Start here 6:03
- 3 Vale of Tears 4:49
- 4 Guardian Angel 4:24
- 5 Lament 6:11
- 6 The Struggle for Survival 9:32
- 7 River Down Below 5:43
- 8 Wasteland 8:27
- 9 The Night Before 3:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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