RIVERS OF NIHIL

Rivers of Nihil's fifth studio album finds them reorganized following their vocalist's exit, whose duties have been taken over by bassist Adam Biggs and newcoming rhythm guitarist Andy Thomas, a great addition to the five-piece extreme metal band. As a band known for its technical death metal style of playing, often leaning towards the use of odd time signatures as well as unconventional instruments, such as the saxophone, the progressive edge in the band's music has been encompassing all of their releases so far, and this new self-titled album is no exception. Definitely a song-oriented album, the ten tracks on here reveal the extent of the band's capabilities and ambition, offering staggering heaviness and relentless playing that could only be rivaled by the most technically gifted bands of today. Intrusive, aggressive, and powerful, this 2025 release is replete with memorable moments that once again prove just how inventive and forward-thinking contemporary metal bands can get.

Compared to some of Rivers of Nihil's previous offerings, this album is much more straightforward and vibrant, with its juggernaut riffing and vehement growls, definitely pertaining to the band's extreme metal roots. The technicality of their music does not compromise the excellent songwriting, and what might have seemed like a difficult transitional period for the American band, in the face of losing a key member, has instead inspired them to create one of their most compelling and digestible works. Both fast-paced, hard-hitting songs, and more melodically acute numbers make up the album, which is also rather diversified in terms of its tempo shifts, moods, and styles ? all essential elements of Rivers' universe. Just right off the bat, the listener hears killer tracks like 'Dustman' and 'Criminals', these ones on the heavier end of the spectrum, while the album drifts off to more sophisticated, textured tones with 'Despair Church' and 'House of Light' in the middle of the record. These tracks are peak prog metal ventures, with their excellent writing, production and performances. And around the album's second half the scorching heaviness gets restored with 'Evidence' and 'American Death', while the closing title track ends on a more tranquil note. 'Rivers of Nihil' is just another excellent entry from this powerhouse of a band, placing them high upon the extreme prog metal pedestal.

The self titled album by Rivers Of Nihil is a fantastic continuation of the band's progressive metal sound mixed with technical deathcore and extreme metal. After losing their previous vocalist Jake Dieffenbach, but bassist Adam Biggs has taken over vocal duties, showing off a great range of growls, screams and impressive cleans. Musically the band sees them taking a more direct and contemporary approach to their sound, without losing any experimentation or impact of the epic sound they are able to create. One of the strongest metal albums of the year. I'd give this a low 8 out of 10. Best song: The Sub Orbital Blues.