Pennsylvania’s progressive death metal band Rivers of Nihil have dropped their latest single, “Water & Time,” from their self-titled fifth full-length, Rivers of Nihil, set for release on May 30, 2025, via Metal Blade Records. The track, accompanied by a music video, is streaming now at metalblade.com/riversofnihil. Founding guitarist Brody Uttley describes it as their “stab at a big chorus-style, synth-laden song,” initially crafted on a synthesizer with a nod to Tears for Fears, before being fleshed out with the band’s signature metal ferocity. Watch the video and pre-order the album, available in multiple vinyl variants like Water & Time (Blue/Green Smoke – US) and Dark Teal w/ Orange & Yellow Splatter (EU – Ltd. 500), at the same link.
Rivers of Nihil, recorded at Atrium Audio with producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland, marks a new era following the 2022 departure of vocalist Jake Dieffenbach. Founding bassist Adam Biggs steps up as lead vocalist/bassist, joined by guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate) in 2023, whose soaring vocals complement Biggs’ demonic lows. The album blends the technicality of The Conscious Seed of Light (2013) and Monarchy (2015) with the ambitious scope of Where Owls Know My Name (2018) and The Work (2021). Guest musicians, including Patrick Corona (alto saxophone), Stephan Lopez (banjo), and Grant McFarland (cello), add eclectic textures. Revolver praises its “metronome-exploding kick work” and “riffs brawnier than a full-grown Kodiak.”
Tracklist:
- The Sub-Orbital Blues (4:18)
- Dustman (4:33)
- Criminals (4:32)
- Despair Church (6:30)
- Water & Time (5:24)
- House of Light (5:49)
- Evidence (4:22)
- American Death (5:23)
- The Logical End (6:07)
- Rivers of Nihil
The album refines the band’s discography, cutting excess while delivering over 50 minutes of visceral, cerebral metal. Rivers of Nihil recently completed their EU/UK Aggressive Progressive Tour with Cynic, Beyond Creation, and Dååth. They kick off a North American headliner on May 22 in Philadelphia with Holy Fawn, Inter Arma, and Glacial Tomb, hitting cities like Los Angeles, Austin, and Toronto through June 22. Tickets and VIP packages are available at ron.soundrink.com.
Stream “Water & Time” and secure your pre-order now!