There was an exciting, new announcement from Reading, Pennsylvania Death Metal moguls River of Nihil last week. They announced a brand new album, “Monarch”, to be released this August. This was done alongside an all new song “Perpetual Growth Machine”. You can read over the official press release and scope out the new music just below!
Rivers of Nihil unveils Monarchy, their sophomore full length album. The record will be available worldwide on Metal Blade Records on August 21, 2015. A brand new track, along with pre-order bundles, are available online now. Fans can visit metalblade.com/riversofnihil to hear “Perpetual Growth Machine” and reserve copies now.
Rivers of Nihil began their musical journey in 2009, and recorded their first EP, Hierarchy, with Carson Slovak. Six years and multiple tours later, the band returned to Slovak and Atrium Audio in Pennsylvania, after having recorded their previous effort The Conscious Seed of Light in 2012 with Erik Rutan at Mana Studios in Florida. Since the release of that album and signing with Metal Blade Records, Rivers of Nihil found themselves quickly climbing the global metal ranks on the strength of overwhelmingly positive reviews and tours with Death (DTA Tours), Obituary, Whitechapel, Dying Fetus, Black Crown Initiate, plus an appearance at the storied New England Metal and Hardcore Festival.
Guitarist Brody Uttley cites recent personal hardships as a major factor in the creative process for Monarchy. Uttley divulges that “I lost a few close friends. The loss of these people had a profound influence on the creation of the music for this record. I was having strong feelings of rage, sadness, hope, and frustration as a result. The songs turned out heavier, darker, sadder, and more frightening than I had ever hoped that they would.” The mood of this album, and the song sequence, reflect these emotions. Monarchy begins with the most heavy and darkest tracks, and continues to develop more progressive leanings until the end when Uttley says “the emotional tension completely falls apart.”
The seasonal concept that began with spring on “The Conscious Seed of Light” continues, of course, with Monarchy, as it welcomes the oppressive heat of summer. The story takes place millions of years after the events in “The Conscious Seed of Light”. Adam Biggs, who also serves as the band’s primary lyricist, explains: “The Earth has been transformed into a vast desert wasteland, where after aeons of lifelessness, new beings begin to take shape and begin their journey as shepherds of the planet. But after a while, a class system forms from a sun-worshiping religious dictatorship, and these beings start to lose their way. Only the guidance of an ancient earthly force can help them save themselves as well the planet.”
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