Rivers of Nihil: A Sonic Journey Through Chaos and Change
Ah, the wonderful world of progressive death metal, where the only thing less stable than the time signature is the lineup of the band! Yes, folks, Rivers of Nihil are back in the news, and if you’ve been living under a rock, you might just be as shocked with their updates as I am when I realize I’ve just set off my bank’s fraud algorithm with my online shopping habits!
Remixed and Remastered: A Blast from the Past
We have a press release that could make even the most stoic of metalheads raise an eyebrow! Initially published independently in 2010, the updated edition of Hierarchy has been given the full Beyoncé treatment—remixed and remastered by the original producer, Carson Slovak, over at Atrium Audio. Because let’s be honest, nothing screams ‘I’m back!’ like a makeover—just ask that former child star you used to see on TV.
Genre-Bending and Heartbreaks
Now, if you thought being boxed into a genre was cool, Rivers of Nihil throw that notion out the window, over the hill, and into an abyss filled with the echoes of unbridled creativity! With Where Owls Know My Name (2018), they truly transcended any shackles of categorization. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any more eclectic, their 2021 release, The Work, pushed the envelope further than a pizza delivery guy on a night shift!
Now, this might come as a shock, but the founding singer, Jake Dieffenbach, has departed, like a magician disappearing before your very eyes. Just three days after recording a live session for Audiotree’s From Nothing series, poof—gone! But instead of wildly flailing like a baby giraffe trying to find its feet, the band decided to honor Dieffenbach’s contributions and bravely ventured into new territories.
A New Chapter with Fresh Blood
So, who’s filling those concert-sized shoes, you ask? Enter Adam Biggs, the former bassist, who’s trading in his six strings for vocal duties. And let’s not forget the new guitarist, Andy Thomas from Black Crown Initiate, whose voice adds another layer to their artistry. Together, they’re crafting a sound so fresh and exciting, it almost feels like they’ve walked into a new era of musical splendor—better buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride!
Looking Ahead: A Future of Sound and Fury
Now, what about the future, you may wonder? Well, darling readers, hold onto your hats, because in 2025 we’ll be graced with their fifth full-length album! It will feature two previously released songs, The Sub-Orbital Blues (2023) and Criminals (2024), plus eight brand new tracks. That’s more new music than I can shove into one Spotify playlist—much like my attempts to stuff nachos into my mouth during a Netflix binge!
The Grand Finale: A Spellbinding Sonic Experience
So, let’s raise a glass to Rivers of Nihil. Their journey is a reminder that even when the road gets rocky, and members decide to take their toys and go home, innovation doesn’t halt. It adapts, it grows, and sometimes, it even throws a surprise party for itself!
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Press release:
Originally released independently in 2010, the highly anticipated updated edition of Hierarchy has been expertly remixed and remastered by the original producer Carson Slovak, ensuring a fresh sonic experience for both new listeners and long-time fans at Atrium Audio.
I RIVERS OF NIHIL have consistently defied genre classification, but their landmark album Where Owls Know My Name, released in 2018, truly embodied a transcendence beyond the confines of typical labels. Their bold return in 2021 with the album The Work pushed the creative envelope even further, shattering anticipations and expectations from their dedicated fanbase. Now, with a fresh array of singles recorded and released in 2023, culminating in a forthcoming album, the band is redefining boundaries as they venture into uncharted sonic landscapes.
In a surprising turn of events, the founding vocalist Jake Dieffenbach parted ways with the band, a decision revealed just three days following a live audio and video session recorded for Audiotree’s From Nothing series, which made its debut on April 20, 2023. Faced with the challenge of proceeding after the loss of their founding voice, the band has chosen to honor Dieffenbach‘s significant contributions while embracing a new chapter in their journey.
In March 2023, i RIVERS OF NIHIL wrapped up an intensive recording session that showcased the transformation of the band into a dynamic four-piece. During this pivotal session, former bassist and backing vocalist Adam Biggs took over the lead vocals, while introducing Andy Thomas (formerly of Black Crown Initiate) as the new guitarist. This new lineup has collaboratively produced a series of electrifying singles that highlight not only the promising evolution of their sound but also retain the energetic essence for which the band is known.
The band recently completed recording and mastering their upcoming fifth full-length album, slated for release in 2025. This project will feature previously released tracks, including The Sub-Orbital Blues (2023) and Criminals (2024), alongside eight fresh tracks. Fans can look forward to the unveiling of a new single in 2025 that promises to further excite their musical journey.
RIVERS OF NIHIL – Hierarchy
Titletrack:
01. Chambers of Civility
02. Human Adaptation
03. Ultimate Sentience
04. Post-Mortem Prostitution
Line-up:
Jake Dieffenbach – vocals
Jon Kunz – guitar
Brody Uttley – guitar
Adam Biggs – bass/vocals
Ron Nelson – drums
RIVERS OF NIHIL ONLINE https://www.facebook.com/riversofnihil
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**Interview with Rivers of Nihil’s New Vocalist, Adam Biggs**
*Interviewer*: Good afternoon, Adam! It’s a pleasure to have you here. The news has spread like wildfire about your transition from bassist to vocalist in Rivers of Nihil. How has the shift been for you?
*Adam Biggs*: Thanks for having me! It’s been a whirlwind experience, to say the least. Transitioning from the bass guitar to fronting the band has been both exhilarating and challenging. I’ve always contributed to the band’s songwriting, so it feels like a natural evolution, albeit a huge leap forward.
*Interviewer*: You mentioned songwriting; the upcoming remixed and remastered edition of ”Hierarchy” has created quite a buzz. How do you feel about this re-release, especially given the band’s history?
*Adam Biggs*: I’m really excited about “Hierarchy.” It’s a significant album for us, marking a period of growth and change. Working with Carson Slovak again has allowed us to re-examine the tracks and give them a fresh, polished sound while staying true to our roots. It feels like we’re bringing a gem back to life for both longtime fans and new listeners.
*Interviewer*: Speaking of change, with Jake Dieffenbach’s departure shortly after a live performance, how did the band cope with that transition?
*Adam Biggs*: It was a tough moment for all of us. Jake’s been a huge part of Rivers of Nihil’s identity, and we’ll always respect his contributions. Instead of letting the setback weigh us down, we’re channeling that energy into creating something new. This time has pushed us creatively, and we’re excited about where we’re heading together.
*Interviewer*: You’ve taken huge strides into uncharted territories musically. Can you give us a sneak peek of what fans can expect from the forthcoming album?
*Adam Biggs*: Absolutely! The album is shaping up to be a mix of our classic sound while incorporating new influences. We have some previously released singles, like “The Sub-Orbital Blues” and “Criminals,” that set the stage for eight new tracks that dive deeper into our progressive death metal roots while exploring fresh elements. It’s a journey we can’t wait to share!
*Interviewer*: What would you say to those fans who might be hesitant about the changes in the lineup?
*Adam Biggs*: Change can be intimidating, and we understand that. However, we’re passionate about honoring our past while forging ahead. The essence of Rivers of Nihil is still here; we’re just evolving. We invite everyone to join us on this journey. You might just discover something you love!
*Interviewer*: Lastly, what’s the overarching theme or message you hope to convey with the new music?
*Adam Biggs*: Ultimately, we want to explore themes of chaos and change, which resonate deeply in our lives as individuals and as musicians. It’s about embracing uncertainty and the unexpected turns that life throws at us. There’s beauty even in the chaos, and we hope our music reflects that sentiment.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Adam! We’re all looking forward to hearing the new sounds of Rivers of Nihil.
*Adam Biggs*: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to experience what’s coming. It’s going to be an exciting ride!
