Traditionally, a self-titled record can signal a return to basics and/or a fresh beginning, and in ten powerful songs, it‘s clear that both those factors are in play. Founding bassist Adam Biggs became the band‘s new lead vocalist/bassist in 2023; the same year marked the appearance of additional guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate), whose vocals also play prominently on Rivers Of Nihil. Producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland at Atrium Audio captured the new dynamics across more than fifty minutes of music.
On June 15th, 2023, the band released the single, “The Sub-Orbital Blues,” the first track with Biggs handling lead vocals following the 2022 departure of singer Jake Dieffenbach. It was also the first track to feature Thomas. A second single, “Hellbirds,” dropped on October 19th of that year. On April 29th, 2024, the band released the cut “Criminals” and an accompanying music video. Both “Criminals” and “The Sub-Orbital Blues” appear on Rivers Of Nihil.
“It‘s not just album marketing speak to say that this genuinely feels like a new era for the band…” – Decibel Magazine
“…[Rivers Of Nihil] specializes in metronome-exploding kick work, riffs brawnier than a full-grown Kodiak, and a vocal tandem of soaring highs (guitarist Andy Thomas) and demonic lows (bassist Adam Biggs).” – Revolver
“Sonically sound, emotionally poignant, experimental in the right places… – Metal Injection
“…one of this year’s most unmissable metal (and prog) records… RIVERS OF NIHIL are beginning to sound unstoppable.” – Blabbermouth
“Monstrously beautiful, just like the cover of Dan Seagrave.” 9/10 Rock Tribune (Belgium)
“…their finest, most complete version of themselves to date. Asserting masterclass level musicianship, songwriting expertise that ropes in elements like cello, banjo and saxophone and a real sense of collaboration throughout, River of Nihil is transcendent of any category of extreme music.” – Knotfest
“…an absolute ass-beater that you may or may not be totally ready for. Right from the rip, it‘s heavy and mean. Punishing rhythms, high octane guitar, and impeccable vocals really drive the whole thing together.” — MetalSucks on “American Death”
“…the foursome has revamped its concept: the vocals are more of a focus than on its direct predecessor, The Work. Biggs fires his brutal growls into the ether with even more power than Dieffenbach, but it is especially in the use of guitarist Andy Thomas’s clean vocals that Rivers Of Nihil surpasses all previous works… anthemic passages now form the highlights of the songs instead of being whispered timidly into the background… RIVERS OF NIHIL exchanges quiet moments for powerful sing-along elements, something rare in progressive music. The fifth album is therefore less complicated than its previous ones, even if the band by no means abandons technical death metal, but simply rethinks it – and successfully.” — Metal Hammer Germany
“The songs hit the mark relatively straight, with the pleasantly natural production potentially making the quartet’s actually quite new-school sound palatable to more traditional minds for the first time ever.” – Rock Hard Germany
“…a masterful work that exemplifies the band‘s growth and maturity as musicians. The production quality, thematic depth, and innovative musical elements come together to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. While it may challenge some listeners‘ expectations, it is a rewarding and enriching experience for those willing to engage with its complexities. Overall, this album stands as a testament to Rivers Of Nihil‘s artistry and their ability to push the boundaries of the genre.” – Lambgoat
“True to its name, there is an immediate and mesmerizing splendor to this song, with extravagant voices raised high and the sax seductively wailing away. But the music is ever-changing. The band also unchain their ferocity, with obliterating drums, cutting riffage, and barbaric growls, and they make the music dreamy, dauntingly dramatic, and instrumentally head-spinning too.” – No Clean Singing on “House Of Light”
“…this borders on the unbelievable! It is amazing how this album has grown over the last while here, from a puzzle to be solved to a picturesque sound palette where the weather changes every minute. It is as if every song passes by on a cloud, flowing, floating, but elusive. I can only recommend everyone to give this gem the time to discover the true masterful nature of this band, step by step and again and again. This is progressive death metal of the highest level!” 9.5/10 Arrow Lords of Metal (Netherlands)
“This album isn‘t a rebrand. It‘s a reaffirmation. Of purpose. Of evolution. Of sheer goddamned power.” – Joedaly.com
“…since the band already stretched the innovative framework on ’Where Owls Know My Name‘ (2018), I am well prepared for what awaits. Then came ’The Work‘ (2021), which is the most solid offering of their career, where progressive courage met genre-defying integrity. What the Americans now present is enormously well-played and sophisticatedly seamless, but as a whole more of a competent effort… even the band‘s lowest level is far above their colleagues in the same field.” Sweden Rock Magazine
“Rivers Of Nihil serves as an effective re-introduction for this latest iteration of members and provides a showcase for where this band intends to go from their successful four-album seasons cycle. As the self-title would suggest, there‘s a new feeling from this group, and while it‘s still likened to experimentation and progression, they have once again bared their aggressive teeth. A fantastic record that is going to thrill for many listens as fans peel through its layers.” – Dead Rhetoric
“There really isn‘t a weak moment on Rivers Of Nihil. In fact – and at the risk of sounding hyperbolic – it‘s an almost immaculate journey that every fan of progressive death metal needs to hear. No matter what‘s been lost or gained with the changing of members, Rivers Of Nihil haven‘t sacrificed a modicum of quality in the process. On the contrary, they‘ve returned with a stronger tenacity and ability to demonstrate why they‘re at the forefront of the genre.” – Sonic Perspectives
“…one of, if not the best (progressive) death metal bands of the past decade.” – Heavy Blog Is Heavy
“The overall experience of this record will leave you breathless, and thinking ‘ah, it might be time to listen to that again’ as you probably missed something the first time. It‘s an album that rewards re-listens. So you can tip your hats to the Rivers fellas, for once again they‘ve produced something that not only elevates their own lofty standard, but ensures that the genre itself remains alive and kicking.” – Out Of Rage
RIVERS OF NIHIL:
Adam Biggs – bass guitar, vocals
Andy Thomas – guitar, vocals
Brody Uttley – guitar, piano, keys, programming
Jared Klein – drums, vocals
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