The new RIVERSIDE album was released almost simultaneously with Steven Wilson’s latest – ‘The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories)’, making comparisons between the two inevitable.

Especially keeping in mind that both Wilson and RIVERSIDE struggle for the attention of pretty much one and the same audience. And even though the ‘Raven’ is bloody brilliant we are used to giving the Polish crew more than a passing attention for the have, after all proven themselves to be no less than a leading force in European prog.

'Shrine of New Generation Slaves' is a step away from their more metallic sound of their ‘Reality Dream’ trilogy and a further development of the ‘Anno Domini High Definition’ ideas into a more classic prog direction – with clearer guitar lines, great sounding bass and the more confident vocals of Mariusz Duda.

Another inevitable comparison is that with Swedish prog masters Opeth who went back to the 70s with their latest ‘Heritage’ album thus avoiding stagnation.

And it seems RIVERSIDE have done exactly the same – in order for the band to progress further, they have gone back to the roots of the genre, so it comes as a little surprise that you find King Crimson, Pink Floyd and even Rush echoing through the tracks.

The sound quality of the album is crsip and clear which is really a must when it comes to this type of music.

First single ‘Celebrity Touch’ might have fooled a great deal of people that RIVERSIDE are going for a more straightforward, pop rock sound but ny the time you reach tracks like ‘The Depth Of Self-Delusion’ or the 12-minute stunner 'Escalator Shrine’  one would be assured that the Polish foursome are still here for the complex, ambitious and downright impressive prog.

Melody is abundant and the inclusion of Hammond and saxophone simply add another level to the sound.

Hardcore supporters should definitely get either the luxurious 2-CD edition or the vynil one for only they feature the two parts of ‘Night Sessions’ – a beautiful ambient/prog/jazz noir experiment that might even remind you of the grand Bohren & der Club of Gore.