The progressive metal band Riverside was undoubtedly shaped by its hometown of Warsaw, Poland. Lying in between the Baltic Sea and the Carpathian Mountains, Warsaw has been dubbed the "phoenix city" for its ability to impressively rebuild itself after numerous wars throughout its history. Founded in 2001, Riverside's sonic style is blatantly molded by the tumultuous times its city has seen. Able to express emotions that act as an escape from the dreary, grey world that exists outside, Riverside's songs transport listeners away to a sonic fantasy world with harrowing guitar solos, wailing vocals and thundering drums.