Rivers of Nihil – Rivers of Nihil
Release Date: 30th May 2025
Label: Metal Blade Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Progressive Death Metal, Technical Death Metal, Progressive Metal, Death Metal.
FFO: Black Crown Initiate, Fallujah, Dormant Ordeal, Allegaeon, Revocation, Alluvial.
Review By: Rick Farley
Pennsylvania’s Rivers of Nihil self-titled, fifth album stands as one of refreshened perspectives, new journeys, and experimental undertakings. Bassist Adam Biggs has fully taken over as lead vocalist/growler, as well as the addition of fellow progressive death metaller Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate) on guitar and vocals. The band also comprised of guitarist and main songwriter Brody Utley and drummer extraordinaire Jared Klien remind us all how everything thing old is new again. This is a band firing on all cylinders, who may have found that unmistakable sound they were always meant to be. That’s not to throw shade at previous vocalist Jake Dieffenbach, guitarist John Topore or any of their album that’s already been released. They’re all killers in their own right. It’s just that this record feels worthy of the self-titled moniker, it’s freshly inspired, ultra ambitious, yet cohesive and somehow instantly recognizable.
The three headed vocal attack between Adam, Andy and Jared is fully fleshed out on Rivers of Nihil. Snarling growls, soaring cleans and gorgeous harmonies are all perfectly intertwined with the progressive death metal framework. Each one prominently taking lead at various spots, creating a deep emotive frame of mind amplified by the aggressive but silky, lush soundscapes. One of the many highlights on this album, the incredibly cinematic vocals which enrich every aspect of this record. Harsh, beautiful, and insanely memorable.
Musically the bands self-titled fits directly into their discography as the next evolutionary step. There are elements to the new record that take the band back to aspects of the more technical Conscious Seed of Light and Monarchy sound, as well as the more experiential side of Where Owls Know my Name and The Work. Whether this iteration of Rivers of Nihil is your favourite or not, I can assure you, it’s a mesmerizing, brutal, complex death metal ride, keen on the cosmic aspects of progressive music, giant clean angelic choruses, and energized rampaging savagery.
There’s an unexplainable mysticism in this record that only happens when inspiration meets that perfect moment in time and then is able to move freely with creativity to a sound that’s completely organic and unforced. This is a vibrant demonstration of emotionally poignant soundscapes breaking the through the walls of extreme metal with ripening maturity. Heavy as hell structures, delicate layers of dynamics, face melting technicality and masterful songwriting all blended into one connected unification.
Tracks like Criminals balances the intensity of explosive guitars with moody undertones of eerie melodies. Blast beats and thick rhythmic structures dominate while creepy flourishes of clean vocals flicker in the background, while Despair Church brings mid paced crushing heaviness that leads to low tuned bulldozing and a gigantic uplifting chorus guaranteed to sooth your soul. A proggy middle section with its cosmic aura accentuates the heaviness beyond its shell. Water & Time has that rich, full tone, near electronic vibe that has become an experimental part of their sound. Soft melodies, sci-fi flavoured synths, and huge choruses, while American Death is a charging bull of death metal beatings packed into five plus minutes of nightmarish atmosphere and modern ultra aggressiveness.
Surely what’s to become a live setting favourite set to break some bones. The band’s first single of 2025, House of Light, encapsulates their overall sound to a tee. Crushing riffs, deathly growls, haunting soaring cleans, sing along hooks, ripping guitar solos, smoky saxophone melodies, and plenty of experimenting prog. Personally, I could go on and on about every song, they’re all incredible, not one is lacking as far as I’m concerned, but you need to hear for yourself. The hype is warranted. Rivers of Nihil is a stunning record from top to bottom.
This is the part where you go pick up this record and let it smoulder through your own consciousness. Absolute masterclass of progressive death metal.
(5 / 5)
