Rivers of Nihil – Rivers of Nihil (Metal Blade)

With four albums under their belt that comprised their ‘seasons’ concept, Rivers of Nihil have long been thought of as innovators within the realm of extreme metal. Some line-up turmoil led to some member shifts, with bassist Adam Biggs expanding his vocal role, and they picked up Black Crown Initiate’s Andy Thomas as guitarist/vocalist. Prime time for some expansion for the already progressive act, and this fifth and self-titled full-length continues the conversation of Rivers of Nihil being one of the most forward-thinking groups in the genre at this time.

If the term ‘progressive’ described previous album The Work, the first one that comes to mind with Rivers of Nihil is ‘balance.’ Those that thought that Rivers of Nihil had moved into too much prog should be happy to see the band returning to notably more aggressive territory overall. But don’t think for a second to call it a regression or ‘return to form.’ It’s quite clear that the band hasn’t forgotten what they have learned over the past four albums, and it shows. As a down and dirty death metal track, “Dustman” is eager to flex its murky midtempo riffs and penchant for blastbeats. But at the same time, it showcases some showy moments with Thomas’ vocals interwined with Biggs’ growls on the chorus for a spine-tingling effect that should thrill without losing any of the song’s intensity (watch for that punishing yet eerie breakdown towards the end). Later song “Evidence” is an utter battering ram when it comes to tempos, seething with urgency and potent 3-prong gang vocals. But again, Thomas’ soaring cleans surface for a short reprieve from the chaos, not to mention flowing, progressive solo work and leads that give the song additional impact.

For those who have grappled onto the band’s more progressive and evolved songwriting over the years should also have a wide smile upon first listen. The center of the album consists of three of the most poignant examples of Rivers of Nihil’s progressive tendencies circa 2025. “Despair Church” features some sprawling heaviness and proggy segments clashing against each other in the best way. It features some absolutely gargantuan riffs and sequences, not to mention some elegantly placed saxophone and eerily catchy vocal harmonies that usher a thrill. “Water & Time” really nails the band’s three-part vocal melodies (drummer Jared Klein pitches in from time to time throughout the album too) to greatest extent and it oozes mood and atmosphere. It’s a track that can really pull you out of whatever you are doing and demand your full attention as it ebbs and flows between graceful melodies and mysterious atmosphere, again augmented by some brilliant sax work. The last of this centerpiece is “House of Light.” Once more tapered with some saxophone and proggy injections, Thomas’ clean vocals shine a boisterous color on the chorus, while driving grooves give it some added meat for those seeking something aggressive.

The contrast, and again balance, serves Rivers of Nihil greatly as a weapon to generate both soaring melodies and punishing brutality. “American Death” doles out jackhammering grooves sure to generate sore necks, but a switch-up to a hook-y chorus makes both sides shine all the brighter. It’s an absolute banger of a track that should be fun to check out in the live setting with it’s huge chorus that dives into relentless battery. The closing “Rivers of Nihil” offers a solemn and reflective tone at it’s onset, with flowing guitar melodies and pensive 3-vocal harmonies giving some mystical and ethereal vibes to end on, until the final minute kicks in and gives one more bludgeoning and overwhelming attempt to leave the listener stunned, choosing to go out on a thunderous bang.

Rivers of Nihil have been a staple now for a long-time within the metal community due to their forward-thinking and intelligent approach. 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 4-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 it’s layers.