Metal Mind Productions have jumped on the fact that progressive rock & metal act Riverside are pretty hot right now with the release of Anno Domini High Definition, a release that scored very highly in many Best of 2009 polls.Reality Dream-Live features the band's hot performance from their 2008 show at Toya Studios in Poland, plus a selection of additional live songs performed at various locations from 2006-2008. A documentary, "Behind the Curtain", rounds out this excellent package.

The main set here from May 2008 is quite enjoyable, showing Riverside grow into their role as one of the more sophisticated and respected modern progressive rock bands. This is a band though that appeals to not just the prog crowd, but progressive metal fans as well, and it's not hard to see why after viewing this supercharged set. Spectacular camera work, sound, and lighting enrich the band's already strong performance, as they rip through such stellar tracks like "Out of Myself", "Second Life Syndrome", "The Curtain Falls", "The Same River", and many others. Lead singer & bassist Mariusz Duda has one of the best voices in the business, and he shows here a penchant for moody, emotional clean vocals as well as a more aggressive, harsh tone. Add in the stellar guitar talents of Piotr Grudzinski, Michal Lapaj's symphonic keyboards, and the able drum skils of Piotr Kozieradzki, and Riverside are a force to be reckoned with. Though you can hear influences from Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, and Dream Theater, those who have followed Riverside since their inception earlier in the decade know that they have slowly developed their own signature sound and style, and it really comes through in a live setting.

The additional live footage, mostly shot in Germany and Canada, really sweetens the pot here, making Reality Dream-Live a must have DVD for your prog collection. Kudos to Metal Mind for putting together a very attractive digi package here, complete with a colorful booklet packed with photos.