Rivers of Nihil - Hellbirds (Official Video)

Buy here: www.metalblade.com/riversofnihil
In March 2023, Rivers of Nihil wrapped up a recording session that saw the now four-piece band birth a considerable amount of new music featuring their previous bassist/backup vocalist Adam Biggs as the new lead vocalist/bassist. This recording session also marked the first appearance of new guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate), whose vocals also play prominently in the music, as a member of Rivers of Nihil. These new singles are the first to showcase the band’s new lineup in full-on collaboration, and demonstrates that while this is a new, brave sound with tons of potential, it also carries the band's classic energy.
Vocalist and bassist Adam Biggs had this to say about the latest single:
“‘Hellbirds’ is a song that was actually largely written during the sessions for The Work. We couldn’t find a place for the song on that album, but we knew it would see the light of day sometime because it’s easily one of the heaviest songs we’ve ever written, and we’ve reworked it to display the raw power of the new lineup. The lyrics are written from the perspective of someone you might consider a ‘typical’ person in this day and age; worn out, drug addicted, nihilistic and living in the wake of so many things he can’t control. It’s an anthem for people who hail from dead end towns like us.”
Music and Lyrics by Rivers of Nihil
Engineering, Mixing and Mastering by Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland at Atrium Audio
Additional engineering by Brody Uttley
Rivers Of Nihil
Adam Biggs : Bass/Vocals
Brody Uttley : Guitar
Andy Thomas : Guitar
Jared Klein : Drums
Directed By:
David Brodsky &
Adam Biggs
Cinematography By:
David Brodsky &
Allison Woest
For MyGoodEye : Music Visuals
www.mgenyc.com
@mygoodeyevisuals
Edited By:
David Brodsky
Assistant Director:
Robb Brown
Lighting:
Adam Pernick
Grip/Electric:
Lindsey Fehr
Starring:
Stephan Lopez
With:
Chad Schlottman
Kevin Pasko
George Tomazei
Brett Howe
Chad And Bridget Hatt
Dave Yoder
Jim And Vanessa Thomas
Tyler Katsigiannis
Tommy Heiler
Brian Miller
John Scherrer
Dalton Bussiere
Tiffany Flood
Gio Soberal
Nathan Schwermann
Jacarey Bell
Lindsey Fehr
Adam Pernick
Special Thanks To
Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Shillington, Pa
LYRICS:
Hellbirds
Don’t understand why all these people give a shit
I can’t seem to feel the same
My life is all slipped discs and cartilage worn to bone
But I got chemicals to ease the pain
It’s not existential
We’re all in debt cause there’s price to pay
My broke ass can’t afford it
Tell the angels I’m absent when they call my name
When that ship sets sail
It’s never coming back
Tell me who survives
When the HellBirds fly they make the sky turn black
Cause they don’t care where they go when they die
You see the hell birds fly? we’re out.
Don’t ask that question baby, if you don’t want no answer
(I’d rather die, I’d rather die)
Pastors, bishops, and priests
Those dirty pricks rape babies
I only fuck with the devil man, his shit goes crazy
You think we’re underground but we come from pure air
Like the voices you talk to: nobodies
There to count your blessings baby
Even though your god can’t save me
I’ve been so obsessed with hating
maybe you are too
All our lives a fucking lie but whatcha gonna do? (Whatcha gonna do)
I got nothing to die for
So I wanna get higher
On the wings of a bird
Tell your god who he prays to
Cheap tricks and mysterious ways
The secrets way out
This can’t be what it means
Tell me what it means
And when the ships set sail
They’re never coming back
You see the hell birds fly?
Tell me who survives
When the skies turn black
And we don’t care where we go when we die
(We don’t care, we don’t care)
So let the hell birds fly. Fuck it.
I’d rather die in war than in a pile of cancer
(I’d rather die, I’d rather die)
So let the hellbirds fly. We’re out.
#riversofnihil #progressivemetal

[@metalbladerecords]

Hellbirds Don’t understand why all these people give a shit I can’t seem to feel the same My life is all slipped discs and cartilage worn to bone But I got chemicals to ease the pain It’s not existential We’re all in debt cause there’s price to pay My broke ass can’t afford it Tell the angels I’m absent when they call my name When that ship sets sail It’s never coming back Tell me who survives When the HellBirds fly they make the sky turn black Cause they don’t care where they go when they die You see the hell birds fly? we’re out. Don’t ask that question baby, if you don’t want no answer (I’d rather die, I’d rather die) Pastors, bishops, and priests Those dirty pricks rape babies I only fuck with the devil man, his shit goes crazy You think we’re underground but we come from pure air Like the voices you talk to: nobodies There to count your blessings baby Even though your god can’t save me I’ve been so obsessed with hating maybe you are too All our lives a fucking lie but whatcha gonna do? (Whatcha gonna do) I got nothing to die for So I wanna get higher On the wings of a bird Tell your god who he prays to Cheap tricks and mysterious ways The secrets way out This can’t be what it means Tell me what it means And when the ships set sail They’re never coming back You see the hell birds fly? Tell me who survives When the skies turn black And we don’t care where we go when we die (We don’t care, we don’t care) So let the hell birds fly. Fuck it. I’d rather die in war than in a pile of cancer (I’d rather die, I’d rather die) So let the hellbirds fly. We’re out.

[@jbibble]

Sh*tbroads. You're the next Drowning Pool. Drop the radiation-treated female singer and yall might make it on a hot sauce bottle 'er sumtin

[@drphdmd7064]

Lyrics hit like a truck. Fuck to the yeah!

[@captainconvulsion]

​@@jbibblesays the person menstruating about a bunch of dudes 😂

[@vladtv7643]

гудворк парни

[@artiegohome]

As a Pennsylvania resident, I’ve never before felt this attacked and accurately represented at the same time. 🤘🍺 🦅🦌🤘

[@TheGunkTv]

You guys captured the "that annoying guy at the club" very well.

[@pandamacska]

in the same time its quite sad seeing how nobody actually gives a flying fuck about him.

[@hhaste]

@@pandamacska They would, if he weren't so drunk & annoying

[@pauljohnware]

For sure this is the story of Jake

[@OceansAndAtmospheres]

This is an accurate representation of going to local shows in Reading, PA from 2006-probably now. Song slaps, the boys do it again ❤️🔥

[@Prof.Pwnalot]

Similar to Australian drinking culture / the gig experience. Just less degeneracy and fights. Lol. Edit: In the film clip, less degeneracy :P

[@johncortez2009]

Exactly I'm from Redding PA

[@Spongesoda]

110% agree, I grew up going to local Reading shows and it’s accurate as all hell

[@OceansAndAtmospheres]

@@Spongesoda Yeah I was in high school when Rivers were still a local band, saw them at The Silo a bunch of times and when Reverb had just opened up. Still have their first couple EPs that they burned onto CDs themselves lmao

[@Spongesoda]

@@OceansAndAtmospheres That’s what I’m talking about my man! Them and Black Crown Initiate were the two local bands that really moved me when I was a teenager getting into the scene. It’s crazy to see what these guys are doing now 🥲

[@MrDrainBramaged]

One of the most underrated metal bands to ever exist. These guys fuckin slap and are extremley good live

[@metalheads-golf]

💪🏻 They are currently on my nr one spot to see live as I've not had that delight just yet. This was awesome and love the little more brutal play. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@melomaniac334]

Man this shit goes crazy! Adam's incredible vocals ✅ Insane guitar solos ✅ Intense drumming ✅ Sick breakdown ✅ Extra melodic vocals ✅

[@guillermolopez1377]

Can't wait to hear the direction they will be going since the Season Theme is done. Favorite Album is still Monarchy. Just the right amount of Heavy and Chill by the end.

[@tobiassupercool2833]

As much as I respect the quality of the new vocals i realized that it was Jake's voice which made RoN truly special for me. Still a great track.

[@smithyMcjoe]

Eh, he sounded like Ivan Moody in my opinion, go try Five Finger Death Punch, they're buttmetal though.

[@thex6992]

why is the old singer gone? I really loved his performance on the last 2 albums, now it sounds more like generic deathcore.... And I always love bands with more philosophical, spiritual and so on themes that hit the emotions hard with a UNIQUE sound, the sax was also very much appreciated. This sounds good but its too "normal" and doesnt have an interesting story like the albums before... also five finger death punch really really suck.

[@BrianWithanM]

Adam's vocals are really great in this track!!

[@Augury666]

Damn, Adam's vocals are sick!

[@reyscottm9]

One of the best metal bands of this decade.

[@brewtalityk]

up there with Akhlys and Ulcerate?

[@TheOrdoch]

“Shit hawks...big dirty shit hawks...they’re coming Bubbles. They’re flying in low..swooping down..shitting on people and dragging em off to the big shit nest” -Jim Lahey

[@metalbladerecords]

Looks like a tropical earthquake blew through here or somethin', man!

[@thehairygull]

Great big piss boner wrote this track

[@darrenliwen]

I’m gonna be that punisher and I’m sure someone in the band will laugh at me for this comment, but I have been a fan of these guys since they started pretty much. It has been absolutely incredible to see their evolution on every one of their releases from Hierarchy until now. They’ve never missed a step even going through all those drummers, losing a guitar player halfway through a tour, losing Jake, etc. I’m proud of these guys and I’m sure whatever they do next will be just as ground breaking as everything else they’ve done.

[@mike0near]

Jake was a big lost...

[@samwisebagcheese7207]

@@mike0near It is what it is, they're moving forward and killing it doing so.

[@user-xg3ey9rd7t]

@@mike0nearA Home is one of my all-time favorite metal songs. Not sure why the new guy is here, but I like his voice. Nothing has touched the magic of Owls for me thus far, but it is definitely tickling my Metal nerve. I like it for what it is. Black Crown Initiate meets Rivers of Nihil, eh?

[@DoTheDishesOrElse..]

Was Jake also the lyricist?

[@darrenliwen]

@@DoTheDishesOrElse.. no

[@Dnky27]

Sub Orbital Blues was incredible so very excited to hear this.

[@UponThisAltar]

Sub Orbital Blues was an amazing realization of your skills and sound, but this. THIS IS EXCEPTIONAL. I haven't been this excited since Monarchy.

[@charlestietje7317]

I just am absolutely in love with this band

[@myquest666420]

I still can’t believe Andy’s really in the band full time

[@Cravex13]

Gutted...

[@zombne]

This band just gets better and better and better. This was so good. Sub Orbital Blues was incredible. I love the direction. I love the sound. I cannot wait for a new album.

[@skbche]

I need a RON T-shirt

[@josephmarkley9293]

How do they keep making bangers, so insane.

[@Hupomone]

I am more excited about Rivers of Nihil than I have been about a band in quite a while.

[@yourmothertrebek]

Watching Jared mime playing the drums at the end killed me 🤣🤣

[@braggingrightsmusic]

These new tracks have really been incredible 🤘

[@MrImMilk]

He just wants to make sure your Spider is set to "Insane"

[@Gatorkw]

listening to this now on Amazon music!!! Hell yeah

[@DannyPoolMusicandMetalworks]

Great song. Been a fan of Rivers pretty much since the beginning. Makes me proud to see the boys from my hometown come this far, and keep getting better. Btw, I got a kick out of seeing my drummer play the bouncer in this. Haha

[@yellingdog9562]

My teeth hurt now. That solo was so dammmmmn sweet. You guys are wizards. Much love

[@ReeseGegax]

Love!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Metal_Weekend]

Watching this video 3-4 times daily!

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

*I'm completely impressed by how good this is!*

[@nobertgrzlytrudel]

Took me a couple listen … but now I can say im hooked !!!!! ❤😜

[@Apok_Alyptik]

Great timing, just randomly typed in rivers of nihil to listen to some music and this popped up

[@Idlexluke]

New lineup is the best y’all have ever been, much love y’all this song fuckin RIPS

[@philharrison9499]

Had the pleasure of seeing them in Cardiff supporting Lorna Shore, what an evening, what a band. Absolutely fantastic live.

[@seanwechsler6783]

Great track! Excited for more 👍

[@2leftthumbs]

Using a metal "blah" for "BLAHck" sounded so sick!!

[@BalanceOvOpposites]

Stoked for this album 🔥🔥

[@sarloscantana]

Phenomenal! Stocked for the new album!!

[@pestorosso6972]

can't wait

[@krombopoulosmichael]

I love this. You guys never let us fans down no matter what happens with the band. Great song.

[@MarcoSantamaria-kl5ro]

Amazing as always❤

[@samwisebagcheese7207]

Crushingly heavy! Lyrics are heavy! Can't wait to hear this one in Sweden in couple weeks!

[@bruffyb3796]

Only into a handful of heavy bands nowadays and these are at the top of that list.

[@ligapremodernalicante]

Wonderful 😍

[@jerzey22]

Well Damn! And bringing in Andy was brilliant! 🎉

[@tylerabbott3649]

I got the chance to tell Adam how excited I was about the direction of Sub Orbital Blues. I met the man in Adelaide on their Australian tour. When I asked him about balancing love, life and touring he said “don’t do it, unless your fucking crazy, like me!” They put on a wicked show, I catch them every chance I get!

[@LololovesFrodo]

it was the Line 6 amp for me. Incredible fucking song you guys 11/10

[@kurtleeney7205]

These guys are so solid. Some of the best stuff I’ve recently heard. Underrated

[@sheylaromansotomayor6562]

Insane 🤘🤘🤘

[@Lewisly1]

I came back to comment again after listening on repeat, this song is incredible. When that chorus kicks in holy fuck - can't wait to hear this live.

[@AlexanderEddy]

Another great RoN track. This might be the wrong place to ask, but I'd love a t-shirt with just the RoN metal style text on it. I've been checking the merch store regularly for something like that! Thanks guys, keep doing your thing

[@Lewisly1]

Not necessarily helpful, but they seem to sell different shirts on tour - I have one from Owl's tour that is plain black with text plus tour dates

[@chrisburcik1101]

Let's go!!

[@BeardOvBorgia]

Next level!! 🏆🤘😤🤘

[@deadbydawn86]

Honestly some of the best shit I’ve heard in a real long time and Biggs on lead…holy fuck what a force. Fuck yeah.

[@xmasso2k12]

this was a banger from start to finish damn!

[@UnholyMac.91]

Great track. Sounds like this could've been on "The Work" so ready for a new album

[@Deathworg1]

GLORIOUS

[@user-nq6lr7dx5x]

Sounds great

[@progressivegeoff]

This is the ultimate lineup for the band. Hot take and I'm all for it.

[@dillonbuckley5063]

we want a full length album yo!!!!

[@JoaoFerreira-fx3xp]

Fuck yeah! Can't wait to see you guys on the 5th of November!!!!

[@eetfukouijaaa]

My favourite song of the year. The boiz have done it again. Fucking rager of a song.

[@MakeEverythingSeemOk]

This is a tribute! 🤘🤘

[@TomCatTheCatMan]

Damn, you guys just keep on killing it! Im fuckin here for it boys! Let the fuckin hellbirds fly! We're out!

[@blakeholt7108]

Yes! You boys are popping off!

[@giordano_toscano]

AMAZING !!!

[@amphibian666]

Perfect

[@danieldelafe959]

One of the best metal bands in the game right now. They always deliver.

[@matiosmi137]

Hey man, Brody's already playing a Line 6 - have mercy, don't add insult to injury XD Also, hats off to the actor for sacrificing his image in this way - hope it was wort it XD

[@inthrallmusic]

Living his best life

[@legalimit6348]

Goddamn this goes hard in the paint. Thanks for sharing this one, guys. The video and lyrics are a really great, cautionary tale about living a life spinning out of control.

[@user-xg3ey9rd7t]

Absolutely love the new vocalist! Been a fan since album One. The Work was a great album, but I do not often revisit it. I have listened to Hellbirds on countless repeat through my work airpods. Sub-Orbital Blues is great, but Hellbirds sticks like an omen. Keep assaulting my ears with Hellbird-like jams and I am here til oblivion! Are these two singles a tease for a new album, or are you taste-testing styles as you grow? Hellbirds darkened my skies and I don’t care where I go when I die, for what it’s worth! Amazing song!!!!

[@davidsimonich5314]

Never miss 🔥

[@NympoGaming]

2:37 - that's so good. 🤘

[@brianmorris364]

Good band, good video. As an ohioan i have met that guy in Pa lol retty sure he was the one crossing my line in the streams catching brookies. I bet he drinks yuengling lite and still smokes brick. Jesus these guitar fretboards just keep gettig wider. Lol

[@thatbobusguy]

My new favorite song! I cant stop it! Its a curse! Its a gift.🤔

[@juanmujica6591]

El trabajo de la batería es brutal...muy bueno el tema 🇻🇪

[@SIZZL3C]

Saw them with BTBAM in KC. They fucking killed it.

[@notsure1969]

Saw that show but in Sacramento. Fucking epic.

[@jehudielaldana3487]

Saludos desde México 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@ccchase420]

i'm glad andy's vocal style is somewhat unchanged, and they opted to put it over the double kick which is right where it belongs. my ears have missed that sweet sweet vibrato

[@VorpalSnickerSnack]

Great song and helluva story.

[@NoFsGiven666]

This is eargasm. 🔥

[@creangarupta123]

welcome back kings 👑👑👑

[@Duffaluff]

This song rips. On repeat nonstop

[@Metal.mike89]

This and new Inferi? What a day.

[@ZloyZloyer]

NEW TIME🤘💀⚡🚩S🔥

[@jtsrecordroom3963]

Great video, playing, vocals and the best metal drummer on the planet !

[@danrdey]

Indeed , the music is extremely satisfactory ! Welcome Andy Thomas and new hellish vocals from Biggs ! 🤘🤘🤘

[@user_abuser_o7]

1:50 💯

[@aicbrian]

🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@cousinit1686]

Hat's off! Great tune, last show of yours was when Fallujah's singer had to take over. (which was amazing, he's fucking awesome) Can't wait to see you guys tour at your full strength!!

[@Lewisly1]

Man these vocals are insane. Instantly alongside Hollow and Episode as the best heavy song you've written. Reminds me of All Shall Perish last album in the best way. Playing on repeat..

[@HeavyReign12]

Yeah the vocals really stood out to me, seems like they really had fun with this one.

[@TheChrisaiston]

These dudes fuckin rip. Andy and Jareds cleans are angelic and fit so well. We want an EP/Album announcement!!

[@willister54]

The vocals are intense. Love it

[@Jerrremy]

Best progressive metal band on the planet, I don't want to hear anyone say otherwise

[@karlsilverone]

otherwise

[@psycold]

otherwise@@karlsilverone

[@alexribolli2971]

How about Beyond Creation?

[@claytonparsons4963]

i think btbam takes that crown

[@KardashevBand]

Agreed.

[@manoflego123]

OK, so Suborbital Blues in a vacuum was good, but I learned from The Work to wait until another single dropped before judging the new sound. If this is the direction the boys are going in I am loving it 🤟

[@Alakazoro]

Best of the new singles. Man these guys are so cool and silly and metal

[@EvgeniVutov]

new song tonight let's fucking go

[@RustyTuell]

Not going to lie, I've loved most of everything they've ever done, these newer song are easily my favorite though. I prefer these vocals completely. Fuck yeah boys

[@NewWestRecords]

This rules

[@GasolinexCola]

That was a very Manley video.