Change often comes at the most inconvenient time. Something Pennsylvanian Progressive Death Metal act Rivers Of Nihil discovered when they were forced into parting ways with enigmatic frontman Jake Dieffenbach after 2021’s groundbreaking album The Work. Hiring from within to avoid losing momentum, bassist Adam Biggs took over the now vacant vocalist position while second guitarist Andy Thomas was recruited from fellow Pennsylvanians Black Crown Initiate.Continue reading
It’s been three years since progressive, technical death metal act Rivers of Nihil released the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed Where Owls Know My Name (Metal Blade Records). Three long years which have seen a global pandemic almost bring the entertainment industry to its knees. However, having already set 2020 aside to concentrate on writing, the Coronavirus outbreak only made minor dents in the Pennsylvanians plans and conceptual album The Work (Metal Blade) is the exhilarating and wonderfully confounding result.
With a lengthy and excitable queue having already formed well before the 7 pm opening time, you can already tell heading to Birmingham on a typically drizzly September evening is going to be well worth the effort. After disappearing for a few words with Rivers of Nihil drummer Jared Klein, I arrive back into the previously empty venue to find it heaving with activity. The bar area is already packed, beer flows freely and merchandise is being handed over at an impressive rate.Continue reading