Rivers of Nihil | Audiotree From Nothing

A now 4-piece band hailing from Pennsylvania, Rivers has been the musical project of guitarist, Brody Uttley, and vocalist/bassist, Adam Biggs, for over a decade. And this far in, everything to do with texture, tonality, instrumentation, lyricism, and composition are open to interpretation without limitation. Arrays of sample placements, strange synthesis, and a saxophone, are just a few of the elements that make up their unique sound.
Unbeknownst to the Audiotree team, this would be one of their last performances with their now ex-vocalist, Jake Dieffenbach. Uttley explains, “We’ve been big fans of the Audiotree catalog for many years now. This shoot took place just a few days before our split with him as our vocalist, so rather than burying this project (since we are now no longer working together), we decided to release it as a finale to the chapter of the band that he spent with us.”
The morning of the filming of this session, the band had come off of driving through the night, while also placing themselves in a position to still make their soundcheck that evening. Fatigued, but determined, the band poured everything they had into this performance. “This is the most accurate picture of our band working ourselves to the bone,” Uttley says. “A lot of what is said in this piece still applies to where things are going, but this video definitely captures the essence of where the band was in late September of 2022.”
When speaking about music, it’s clear this band lives and breathes creativity, in whatever form it comes. Their outside-the-box approach to an already saturated genre is proof of this, and their passion when it comes to performance embodies it. And perhaps most impressive was how they carried themselves. Humble, calm, and gentle, Rivers of Nihil brings an edge of gratitude to death metal.
Stream on all platforms → lnk.to/ATFN-RiversofNihil
More From Nothing → • ✢ Audiotree From Nothi...
Recorded live on September 27, 2022 in Chicago, IL.
Timestamps:
00:57 Clean
07:06 On Creativity
09:49 Dreaming Black Clockwork
16:29 On Writers Block
20:20 Episode
27:41 In Retrospection
Visit the band's website → www.riversofnihil.com/
Rivers of Nihil is
Guitar | Brody Uttley
Bass + Vocals | Adam Biggs
Vocals | Jacob Dieffenbach
Drums + Vocals | Jared Klein
Guitar + Vocals | Andy Thomas
Saxophone | Zach Strouse
Directed + Edited | Austin Peters
Director of Photography | Tom Conway
Camera Operation | Matt Tyrpin, Justin Kenney, Kevin Van Egeren
Audio Record + Mix | Neil Strauch
Audio Assist | Lucas Hansa
, Susie McCollum
, Rick Fritz
-
🎶 Discover more music → linktr.ee/audiotree
🌳 About Audiotree
Audiotree showcases talented musicians and bands from around the world. Originally created to give young bands a platform to be seen and heard, the Audiotree Music channel has become a cornerstone in the music world. The concept is to capture intimate performances from diverse artists in a professional studio at no cost to them. Discover your next favorite band at audiotree.tv.
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[@metalbladerecords]

Thanks again for putting this together! Incredible work as always!

[@murdermittens1924]

This is rad

[@aritrasom9536]

Ngl I'll miss Jake. He's got one of the most iconic death metal voices I've ever heard and is able to express a lotta emotion through it.

[@Lochlan87]

Same but super curious to hear how they make it happen without him

[@aritrasom9536]

@@Lochlan87 Adam is already doing vocals for the next album. Plus now they've got an additional clean singer

[@QuietCreed]

Honestly, same. He was one of the main voices of Rivers for me through this album cycle. If you wanna get poetic though and in the theme of The Work completing the four seasons, so should Rivers as a band complete a chapter in their history. Honestly though, they've got their hooks in me as well as countless others. I look forward to the future of this band while fondly looking back on the past.

[@chickenpasta7359]

@@QuietCreed honestly same. their lineup change is so big that I can't help but feel like its not really the same band anymore. Jake and Johnathan exiting the band was a pretty big surprise since they're my favorite band ever and I've seen them live multiple times

[@deluxedoorman]

Damn, was just about to type a comment about how much I love his voice. Is he lending his talents to another group?

[@aicbrian]

My only problem with this video is that they should've just done the whole album. I guess what I'm saying is I want MORE?

[@joshuagilbert7453]

Yes!!!

[@westonthrockmorton936]

Saw them play their album 'Where Owls Know My Name' front to back a few years back in Florida. Small, intimate venue. It was insane, especially with the sax solos hahaha. For me, this band has been a breath of fresh air since I discovered them. I'm happy to see them again on the Between the Buried and Me tour soon. Thanks Audiotree for this gem, this was the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new chapter for the band.

[@alkatorsh07]

I can't remember how I discovered them but it was with this album, I am so jealous you saw it front to back live

[@CyberVenomAenima]

@@alkatorsh07 It was absolutely phenomenal

[@M3-AZONE]

It was in Miami right?? I was there hahaha, it was at a club from what I remember, the whole lineup was great

[@westonthrockmorton936]

@@M3-AZONE WinterPark/Orlando was where I was at. Conjurer and Entheos opened, it was crazy. People were hanging off the ceiling and fans above the crowd before RoN took to the stage.

[@M3-AZONE]

@@westonthrockmorton936 ohh gotcha, this was about 5 years ago I'm pretty sure, the lineup had thy art is murder and dying fetus

[@endarior]

Big shout out to the singer for how intense and brutal his style comes across both on record and live.

[@hobojungle1]

Unfortunately he has since left the band. Judging from the teaser of new stuff the band posted, Biggs is doing a fine job in the vocals role.

[@rob61091]

@@hobojungle1 saw them live with just the bassist signing and he killed it

[@alejandroalhazred844]

Why did he left the band?

[@hobojungle1]

@@alejandroalhazred844 not really disclosed personal reasons.

[@CyberVenomAenima]

@@alejandroalhazred844 Look for his interviews, it will give at least a possible conclusion

[@TheHighestOrderHO]

Gonna miss Jake but I’m excited to see where they go from here.

[@fearless3073]

I'm skeptical, but I'll give them a chance lmfao

[@doctorstrange7768]

MAN i'm straight addicted to this band i've listened to this album like 49 times lol at least

[@thegrimreaper7]

Fantastic musicians. Rare to see a band this tight live with such complicated songs.

[@asymmetrymedia9838]

And this isn't even them at their best. I saw them at arctangent and it was just one of the best shows i had ever seen!

[@Heeskane]

@@asymmetrymedia9838 I'm forever regretful that I didn't get to attend the 2022 Arctangent, the whole event was super stacked for me at least

[@DEAFXROBOT]

I listen to The Work at least once a week to either get through my wage cage shift or a workout. Kicks ass

[@cd5642]

Gonna miss Jake. Good luck in your future. Excited to see where they go now. Andy Thomas is a great add, although we may be losing BCI….

[@WillardTurner]

I saw you guys open for The Contortionist in Atlanta without Jake. I was beyond impressed. That performance, knowing you guys were winging it with the vocals, made me a fan.

[@aremus7381]

Hey I was there too, I drove all the way up from south florida! They absolutely killed it!

[@Nat-O]

When was that??? Damn

[@WillardTurner]

@@Nat-O The most recent tour. They played "The Work" in full and The Contortionist played "Language" and "Exoplanet" in full. It was wild.

[@dead_cat_breath]

I saw them the next night in Nashville. They absolutely killed.

[@Sick66-qu4uh]

​@@WillardTurnerFuck, I'd have killed to see Exoplanet played in full

[@juliusmabry4839]

Listening to the end of Episode and realizing it was one of Jake's last performances with the band made me tear up a little. His contributions to the band have be truly unforgettable, and I'm excited to see what the band has coming next.

[@LoboNestor]

I first listened to them back in 2018; the sax solo of 'The Silent Life' caught me off guard but got me immediately hooked. I finally watched them live in Mexico City just a couple of months ago and even though it was a small venue they brought so much energy to their performance; what an incredible show it was. Thanks for this treat, Audiotree. 🤘🏽

[@arghyadeepmitra3615]

I have a feeling a LOT of people got hooked by that sax solo.

[@Dan16673]

​@@arghyadeepmitra3615 yes. Sounds so good live

[@blackmetalbreadstick]

I really hope Jake is doing okay

[@hobojungle1]

Same 😞

[@timmystoner7219]

Ditto that

[@KardashevBand]

Hell yeah guys! Love seeing behind the curtain and learning about your process! ♥ Stoked for more in the future!

[@luis_rojas92]

@audiotree you have to contact @Kardashev for a future session 👀

[@KardashevBand]

@@luis_rojas92 Austin knows where to find me. ;)

[@jacobkohl9315]

I love these guys so much. The story they told through the Terrestra albums is some of the best stuff I've heard 🤘🏼

[@centurionmusic11]

It was nice to see Jake one last time 😢

[@tomkruze1304]

Such a great band, saw them open for Black Dahlia Murder before Trevor passed❤

[@thrashcase]

Saw them on the same tour, such a sick show!

[@jonathanmay1240]

That was a great line-up spanning different genres of metal. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see Black Dahlia. My sister was in a car accident. Big bummer for me that I didn't get to see Trevor one more time.😥

[@bobpaulson2934]

I seen them in Milwaukee on that same tour! Was such a good show!!!

[@davidgarvin1889]

@@jonathanmay1240 damn, is your sister ok?

[@jonathanmay1240]

@David Garvin she is. Just was in an area she didn't know well and was stranded.

[@hobojungle1]

Biggs and Brody are an unstoppable force. Mad creative. I hope these guys go forever. Cheers RoN 🍻

[@vigobrasco-o7l]

The most talented metal band out there right now fr fr

[@Foxywaterable]

Saw these guys on the Contortionist tour, the fact they were able to play and sing so well on such short notice after losing their singer was really impressive.

[@matiosmi137]

Men will literally write a masterpiece of an album instead of going to therapy XD But on a serious note, I always tear up at Maybe One Day and by the end of Terrestria IV I'm basically a different human than I was before this particular listen of The Work. Thank you for your meaningful music and (probably unconciously) being advocates for men's mental health.

[@AzAtHoTh1666]

Seeing this guys in a week for the first time and I can't fucking wait! Where Owls Know My Name meant so fucking much to me, the musical blend is so deep and brooding but still so fucking heavy. And then at one of the darkest times of my life The Work came out and changed everything for me, gave me a place to soothe my mind and process things in a healthier way. Not gonna lie, I could probably cry on some of this and it will be so incredibly liberating.See you in a week, Rivers of Nihil!

[@shapeshift86]

I've had a very similar experience. In case you haven't heard it enough, I'm proud of you.

[@AzAtHoTh1666]

@@shapeshift86 thanks for the coment, pal. Reporting after the fact, the show was fucking awesome and I did cry indeed, when they closed the set with Where Owls Know My Name

[@joebuczkowski8605]

My friend drove me up to Chicago to watch them play live with alluvial warforged fallujah and burial in the sky at Reggie's rock bar. It was 🔊 loud.

[@sicboi80]

Damn, I've been sleeping on this album. Dreaming Black Clockwork is so sick, love the atmosphere on this one.

[@anxiousx]

The atmosphere they create are insane.

[@chickenslips]

Saw them last year with Fallujah, and holy cow their stage presence was formidable. All around amazing musicians!

[@Grunik1618]

DO THE WORK

[@dtrgilmore]

Such a great band. All their work is worth a listen, but for me 'Where Owls Know My Name' is the standout. Absolutely stoked to see them on Audiotree.

[@joshkuhnmusic]

This is just so sick. Really really honest, beautiful, and inspiring. Keep doing what you're doing boys.

[@Officialwockhardtwarlock]

Such soul finding melody and the deep gritty vocals full of power and emotion

[@nicksteeves3652]

It's still weird for me to know Jake isn't with the band anymore. Really excited to see what these fellas do going forward. Hope all is well with Jake.

[@FrogJuiceJustice]

Saw them play The Work in full from start to finish in like August or September last year and it might be my favorite concert I have ever gone to. Otherworldly

[@drummerkorey]

Dudes vocals are absolutely incredible, this band is awesome

[@TomOtero1984]

Genre be damned! Good music is good music and Rivers of Nihil is it!

[@richardhakli]

This is so well-put together and left me filled with emotion. Audiotree, these are beautiful shots and editing, and of course Rivers of Nihil & company - thank you for your Work.

[@drrocksomd]

Thanks for putting this on, can’t wait to see these dudes with BTBAM!

[@nicmcwhirter]

Fantastic performance as always. Rivers of Nihil are an incredible band with huge balls! Jared is a demon on the kit. Was fortunate to have seen them in Glasgow recently and what a face melter gig it was. Brody has excellent guitar skills man. Whole band are killing it! Much love from Scotland 🤘🤘

[@SayHi2YourMotha]

I’ve watched this at least 4 times now. Amazing stuff. I’ve had tickets to see these dudes on 3 separate occasions and all 3 times I couldn’t make it. Feels like I’m cursed to never see them live lol

[@KatRae]

I saw them Oct 2022 when they toured with the Contortionist. It was in Indianapolis so it was their last show, I believe. You could tell everyone in both bands were just exhausted, but they both gave their all. I had never heard of them but they blew me away, their energy and synchronicity as a group really showed. I was enamored. I didn't really listen to them again, but my partner did, so I did hear a few of those songs more clearly afterword - it was definitely difficult to hear the true production intricacies live. Seeing this video pop up was such a treat and great to hear everything again!

[@eigenbroetler321]

I almost went to that Indie Contortionist/Nihil show but I was so overbooked that month I needed a solid break. I'm glad I took it but just the same I have been regretting missing it ever since!!!

[@KatRae]

@@eigenbroetler321 It was easily one of the best shows I've ever been to. But sometimes you have to take a break!

[@NikhilShrestha]

I've found so many sick bands because of Audiotree

[@WittyName44]

The size of the bass section is something else!

[@QuietCreed]

25:37 is such a powerful moment for me like holy shit. I've never seen these guys live before but comparing this moment with the studio version is like night and day. There's so much more emotion with this live version than the studio recording to me. It's fucking fantastic. Maybe knowing this is Jake's last recording with the band solidifies that, but goddamn these guys know how to build up on shit.

[@AustinPeters]

What a joy it was to host this.

[@Escapevelocitync]

Love these guys! Ever since the conscious seed of light

[@readymade83]

Saw these guys at a small club in Manchester NH back in May 2022, never heard of them at all and my buddy had a ticker so he invited me along. I was blown away and the saxophone was the best contrast to the intensity of the music. I'd go see them again, they were great.

[@kol9495]

One of the best metal band of the last 10 years. I hope that yoi can invite Imperial Triumphant

[@MNmarrow]

Biggs right hand work on his base is pure art.

[@treewisemenllc7281]

I played with these guys back in the day a few times. I'm stoked to see them still moving forward and doing things. Biggs is a killer bass player and lyricist. Brody has always been an amazing song writer and player. Keep killing it fellas 🤘🤘🤘

[@hermanperez3220]

One of the best metal bands of the last time.. They are TOO good!

[@eatin5seconds]

This is absolutely fantastic! Thank you!

[@aenimic]

Thank you so much for featuring this phenomenal band. Amazing video, amazing sound. LOVE IT!

[@Prasetyovich]

Death metal music in general may sound noisy, but this band is an exception. I feel, when listening to this band, like I'm in another realm which is very quiet behind the noise of the epic musicality of the people of Pennsylvania. The first time I listened to them on the albums "The Concious Seed of Light" and "Monarchy" and I immediately fell in love with this band as a complement to my metal music library.

[@MMA_Enjoyer]

Damn, these guys are so so good.

[@Bungletronics]

Got to see them live not too long ago. Great live band, excited to see where they go from here with the changes.

[@timmystoner7219]

Brody and Biggs dont get enough props man so props to being unique writers love it

[@adrianmurray4151]

Goosebumps throughout my everything,Like a ten ton hammer

[@-mind-6841]

omg this is so good. thank you for this great art!

[@speaklowww5747]

damn these guys are great sounding live. one of the very best active rn truly. serious appreciation for the audiotree folks who filmed and mixed this.

[@evanmcnamar3971]

I'm so glad you guys had Episode on the set list for this.

[@Raj_Sharma-]

So amazing I got chills hopefully someday can see them live

[@metalheads-golf]

Love the oddness and that you produce something unique. Love it. Great video 🙏🏻 Keep it coming and stay metal. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@HunterHomistek]

They're so good it's dumb. I cannot wait to see what's next for them.

[@navnithgrewal3915]

YEAH JAKE YOU KILLED IT!!!

[@kevinberstler]

Great performance by amazing musicians captured by a solid team. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamessawtell7196]

That guitar solo...damn

[@doesntexist6148]

I met Jake in Denver, traveled to see the show from Albuquerque. Was worth it, cuz I'll never see them with him again 😢 am excited to see where they go from here with Andy though.

[@Zach_Beebe]

Best fkn band. Saw them do The Work in full recently and it was awesome.

[@depthsofyourmind6070]

Beyond talented.

[@highfells]

So so good

[@donnedanko]

Fantastic!

[@chepss]

This band continues to push the boundaries in music!

[@R3li]

Simply brilliant

[@ErikAnders]

They have arrived

[@paulwalker6936]

Discovered Rivers of Nihil about a month before seeing them live this year with BTBAM. Instantly one of my absolute favorite bands. I love your weirdness!

[@xplanet2112]

Brilliant that, love this band!

[@Quake18]

I fucken love these dudes, I just trust them, even more after hearing them speak in this footage. Thanks Audiotree for, again, selecting some genuine creators to feature. and wonderful timing to give Jake an honorable sendoff

[@wtf1992alex]

DAAAAMN!!!! More bands like this please!

[@willvaughn6.395]

This is just f awesome !!

[@d4ndro1d3]

Amazing band! Good job on the video!

[@Joseph-jj7bw]

I saw Rivers open for Obituary and Death to All back in 2014 and have been a fan ever since. The Work is a masterpiece and I feel its influence will only grow over time. Long live Rivers of Nihil.

[@jasoncrump1886]

These guys are incredible.

[@CrudusViscus]

Jacob will be dearly missed, but I'm optimistic for the future.

[@bobpaulson2934]

I have loved RoN since the 1st song I heard. Seen them live and loved this behind the scenes look at the process

[@quicknotfast]

Such deep respect for these guys and what they create. The depth and difficulty of their process shows in how many times you can hear their albums and still discover new stuff. I hope this profile helps them grow. PS come back to Australia soon so I can kiss you all on the mouth 🤠

[@MarcusVinicius-hh2pc]

Masters of sound.

[@righteous247]

Just keep doing your thing. The band is amazing

[@samk.4599]

please do more of these !!

[@gorxor]

I love them soo much. Ever since they entered my musical life years ago it got a lot richer. Just the right mix of everything

[@BassRocker617]

One of the most consistent and interesting metal bands out there

[@kendallfella]

Fantastic performance! I've seen them live, and they absolutely kill it on stage. Owls and The Work are pretty much two of the best metal albums of the last few years. Looking forward to seeing where they go next.

[@Omar_I_T]

I think: Every band that buils some recognition through years and hard work have an identity in vocals and sound. It's gonna be difficult for so much peopple face this, but for me, the most important thing is... that twist in this band that always had and is no missing but evolving. I mean, all albums are jewels, but every album from those guys turn the ambient, composition, sensibilities, arrangements, etc, so violently in another direction searching for a different excellence... maximum respect and love guys.

[@ThePatsfanwho]

this is really great

[@BazonBlades]

Saw these guys years ago opening for Whitechapel. I wasn't familiar with their music but was impressed enough to grab a copy of their CD at the show.

[@theunholygoat7077]

Awesome!!!

[@brandonw.2066]

They're an amazing band. There's no doubt about that. But I do think they will struggle without Jake unless they replace him with someone who sounds similar. His vocals made the band what it is for me. I'm excited for them but also hoping that he comes out with some material with a new band as well.

[@AugustBurnsSam]

Oh shit i didn't realize he left. He super influenced my own vocals.

[@d.spellerb.5650]

May be a hot take but i always thought that Jake´s vocals were the weakest part of the band. I enjoyed them but he wasnt the reason I listen to this band. So I am more than confident that they won´t dissappoint.

[@ccchase420]

@@d.spellerb.5650 have to agree. he's actually showing more diversity in this video than most of their recordings, i find his individual performance (on the albums) to be really monotone. if he busted out the highs and brutal lows like the bassist does, we'd be in trouble but a solid growler is within reach for this band.

[@luis_rojas92]

Happy 4/20 to all of you guys. I’m glad to be able to see this as Brody said: “we decided to release it as a finale to the chapter of the band that he spent with us.” I love this band so much. This performance proves that this is one of the greatest band out there. Peace ✌🏻

[@joshuagilbert7453]

I didn't realize I needed this album's live-in-studio version, but I do.. jeeeez

[@JasonLuther1]

This is a very special band.

[@Metalextremo]

this is amazing❤