(Andy Synn introduces our premiere of the title track to the new album by Rivers of Nihil.)
I absolutely loved Rivers of Nihil’s debut album, The Conscious Seed of Light. Though it’s not a perfect release, it is very, very good (particularly for a debut full-length), and absolutely packed to the gills with nascent potential.
Potential which they’ve fully realised on their new album, Monarchy.
From start to finish it’s an intensely heavy, stunningly technical (though always in service to the greater themes of the song), and viscerally passionate album, that sees the Reading, Pennsylvania quintet capitalising on the momentum gathered by their debut in order to really expand the scope and breadth of their sound.
The title track, which we’re premiering today, sees them stretching their progressive muscles in a number of fantastic new directions, particularly where the lithe, rippling bass-lines of Adam Biggs (who may just be the album’s MVP at this point) are concerned.
Along the way the band drop in a number of brilliantly evocative lead guitar parts and spiralling solo runs, their distinctively metaphysical brand of melody acting as the perfect icing on this particular cake — one that’s made up of juddering, cyber-metallic riffs and streamlined, strafing drum work, with a rich filling of palpable fury and frustration.
Bow down to the monarchy.
Monarchy will be released by Metal Blade on August 21. Pre-order here:
http://www.metalblade.com/riversofnihil
https://www.facebook.com/riversofnihil
14 Responses to “AN NCS PREMIERE: RIVERS OF NIHIL — “MONARCHY””
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Rivers of Nihil is kicking ass with this new track. As long as Terrestria II holds up like Terrestria I into Rain Eater did, it’s going to be a contender for album of the year. The solos, leads and riffs on this album are so varied and powerful.
Also, this song totally reminds me of Sun of Nihility of Job For a Cowboy’s Sun Eater. A little eerie, now that I’ve made the connection.
Terrestria II is fantastic. No need to worry.
And I also made the JFAC connection… but decided to excise it from what I wrote so it wouldn’t put people off (not that it should do… but… you know…)
I feel like Sannicandro is a bit more melodic in his leads and such, but otherwise you’re spot on.
I’m impressed with their progression from TCSoL! Will def be buying this.
fantastic! they’re definitely kicking even more ass this time around 🙂
I can’t wait for the new album. August 21st seems way too long. “The Conscious Seed of Light” is one of my favorite albums of the last few years. I imagine it will be difficult to top, but I am looking forward to hearing it nonetheless.
Sounds like an improvement from their last album, which was not half bad. Looking forward to the whole album.
I knew I would be disappointed. You talked it up too much man. I think my favorite metal song in existence would barely (and likely only personally) live up to that level of hype. I’ve got nothing against you doing your job as a reviewer, I just think you should post the song first or after one paragraph of brief introduction. That said, it was one of the better new metal songs I’ve heard in quite a while.
Do what I do. Open the article, scroll right to the stream, press play, then tab over to something else. Then if you like what you hear, come back to the page and read about it.
Maybe “Monarchy” will be one of the best Death Metal album of the year, I liked this song and the previous “Perpetual Growth Machine” because of the various, intense and creative songwriting. Their debut album is very good, these new songs shows their potential, more potential in my humble opinion. August is still distant but I’m looking forward for their new release.
RIVERS OF NIHIL MOST DEFINITELY RIDE HOVEROUNDS
*FLUSHES TOILET*
Hey, know what this article needs…more linkbacks
I’ll get right on that.
Nice. I’m liking the production too – it’s got a nice crisp sound where everything is clearly differentiated, but doesn’t veer too far to end up feeling overproduced or sanitized; it’s still got that gritty edge to it. Best of both worlds 🙂