Combining progressive metal with thrash and death-metal elements, BETWEEN RIVERS strives to balance the monstrous aggression of metal with a somber mood of melody and drama. Created by Stockholm-based Italian multi-instrumentalist Emanuele Viali, “Freedom Denied” is the first offering to arrive ahead of Form Without Soul. The project’s debut mini album Form Without Soul will be released independently on March 26, 2027.
On “Freedom Denied” Viali comments:
“The song is about the contradiction between the idea of personal freedom and the reality of living inside systems that constantly restrict it. We are told that we are free, but every movement, choice, and basic need seems to come with a cost. That sense of restriction also extends to the lack of privacy in contemporary life. The modern lifestyle often demands that we remain visible, trackable, and economically useful at all times.”
Musically, “It is probably the most aggressive track on the album, built to feel like a short burst of pressure rather than a long progressive construction.”
Emanuele Viali wrote and produced the release and performed all instruments except vocals and selected guest guitar solos. Lyrics on “Brightest Eyes” were written by Viali. Recording, mixing, and mastering were handled by Emanuele Viali and Dmitry at Ozone Hole Studios. Vocal performance, vocal arrangement and lyrics on all tracks except “Brightest Eyes” are by Vladimir Lalic (ORGANIZED CHAOS); Francesco Domenichetti performed guitar solos on “Silicon Paradise” and “Insides”; Fabrizio Milo plays the guitar solo on “Brightest Eyes”. The cover art is by Niklas Sundin (ex-DARK TRANQUILLITY).
About BETWEEN RIVERS:
Based out of Stockholm, Sweden, BETWEEN RIVERS is the solo project of Italian musician Emanuele Viali. Originally from Terni, Italy, multi-instrumentalist Viali holds a degree in jazz bass, he also plays guitar and keyboards, and programs virtual instruments, and works professionally with music and sound for video games. Before establishing BETWEEN RIVERS, Before Between Rivers, Viali played in the folk metal band BLODIGA SKALD among other smaller projects.
The sound of BETWEEN RIVERS incorporates a wide array of influences and styles drawn from both within metal and beyond its borders. For example, elements of AYREON, DEVIN TOWNSEND, DEATH, NEVERMORE, GENESIS, 90s Disney film music, death/thrash metal, progressive metal, and Italian songwriters such as Fabrizio De André, Franco Battiato, and Giorgio Gaber, can all be heard in the project’s diverse sonic mix.
BETWEEN RIVERS’ debut mini album, Form Without Soul, will be released independently on March 26, 2027. “Freedom Denied” provides a first look at the upcoming album.
Connect With BETWEEN RIVERS:
Bandcamp: https://betweenrivers.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betweenriversmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenriversmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betweenriversmusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betweenriversmusic
Form Without Soul Track List:
1. Silicon Paradise
2. Freedom Denied
3. Insides
4. Chroma Veil
5. Brightest Eyes
6. Choices
7. Thing Beyond Things (Devin Townsend cover)