RIVERSIDE’s MARIUSZ DUDA Speaks About the Band’s Upcoming Album: “We Shine the Most When We Play Live, So I Thought . . . We Should Record a Studio Album That Reflects This Live Energy”

Sonic Perspectives

Polish artist Mariusz Duda is an unstoppable force of musical creation. Although he may best be known for heading the progressive rock and metal outfit Riverside, his career includes a progressive solo project titled Lunatic Soul alongside self-titled electronica work. His perseverance and continued dedication to honing his craft is evident in Riverside’s upcoming album, “ID.Entity,” due out on January 20, 2023. A new side of Riverside and the next chapter in the band’s story, this album not only features new permanent member Maciej Meller, but it also marks the band’s eighth studio album in twenty years.

Brighter, more hopeful, but still undeniably Riverside, “ID.Entity” is some of the most cohesive and mature work to come from the band yet. The blunt edge of “Big Tech Brother” is drenched in cynicism and critique of our modern digital age, yet the closing notes of “Self-Aware” are beautifully luminescent. There are touches of stylistic inspiration from earlier albums like “Shrine of New Generation Slaves,” but the progressive-rock quartet has stepped up to embrace their growth in skill and ambition with novel grace. Duda has described the increased cohesion between the band in writing “ID.Entity,” including many hours spent on tour and in the rehearsal room required to make this album a reality. That dedication shines through in the bright notes that dominate “ID.Entity” and make it an experience that rivals the energy that Riverside has long brought to the live stage.

Duda spoke with Sonic Perspectives correspondent Samantha Buckman about the writing process behind “ID.Entity,” the themes that drive the album, Duda’s other work, and much more. Listen to their chat on the links below and remember that for more interviews and other daily content, make sure to follow Sonic Perspectives on Facebook, Flipboard and Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified about new interviews and contents we publish on a daily basis.

“ID.Entity” is out on January 27th via Iside Out Music. Pre-order it HERE.

“ID.Entity” kicks off the third decade in RIVERSIDE’s career in a remarkable way and will be available in the following formats:

• Ltd. Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook (Disc 1: Album, Disc 2: All 4 bonus tracks, Blu-ray: All main 9 album tracks in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 and 24bit HighRes Audio mix versions)
• Ltd. 2CD Mediabook (Disc 1: Album, Disc 2: All 4 bonus tracks)
• CD Jewelcase
• Deluxe Digital Album (Including all 4 bonus tracks)
• Digital album

The album’s vinyl version comes as Gatefold 2LP (With the bonus tracks “Age of Anger” and “Together Again” on Side D) in the following variants:

• Black vinyl: All outlets
• Orange vinyl: All outlets
• White vinyl: 500x copies via JPC & Burning Shed
• Yellow vinyl: 500x copies via EMP & Just For Kicks
• Sky Blue vinyl: 600x copies via Laser’s Edge & CM Distro/Webshop Europe

“ID.Entity” Album Artwork

“ID.Entity” Track-listing​:

CD 1 – Album:

1. Friend or Foe?
2. Landmine Blast
3. Big Tech Brother
4. Post-Truth
5. The Place Where I Belong
6. I’m Done With You
7. Self-Aware

CD 2 – Bonus Material

1. Age of Anger
2. Together Again
3. Friend or Foe? (Single Edit)
4. Self-Aware (Single Edit)

RIVERSIDE have recently also announced their return to North American stages in February/March 2023 in promotion of “ID.Entity”. Check out the band’s upcoming confirmed live-dates below.

RIVERSIDE also launched a “Riverside Heavy” playlist featuring “I’m Done With You” as well as many other heavier tracks from the band’s comprehensive catalogue, which you can check out HERE.

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