Rivers of Nihil - The Sub-Orbital Blues (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Buy here: riversofnihil.bandcamp.com/tr...
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.
Here’s what Biggs had to say about the new song; “This song is about the dichotomy of living in a 21st century society rife with scientific and technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and ever more sophisticated space travel, while also dealing with the increasing threat of old world problems like out of control governments and the looming threat of world war.”
Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland of Atrium Audio engineered, mixed and mastered the new singles, with additional engineering by guitarist Brody Uttley.
The remaining three singles from the April 2023 recording session will be released leading up to the release of the band’s next full-length studio album, which the band is eager to begin work on.
LYRICS:
Can you see it?
Believe me that
Our dreams will orbit the earth forever
My heroes left me here in
1917 I fear
To ponder and perform
The religion of dogs of war
But I can only lift that cup long enough to fill my mouth
We’ll suffer, and scorn
Another 800 billion suckers born
And it ain’t lost on me (see it)
That code is all I’m gonna be (believe it)
But our dreams will orbit the earth forever
Oh yeah I got ‘em bad
Got them suborbital blues baby
Existence
Is oh so temporary (I’ve got my feet on the ground)
We’ve all been waiting (waiting to escape this world)
This obsession (will)
Digitize perceptions
Save us (save us)
We live forever (save me from that hole in the ground)
But now I’m light as a feather
Just ones n zeros
Is this heaven?
I don’t feel
I don’t think
Just want St. Peter to let me in
Because my sea is a black sea
And the air is trying to kill me
Oh god save me
Now they’re dragging out the bodies
To dig their holes in the ground again
Throw your children to the sky
See the widowed mothers crying again
Tell me what will you do? (What will you do?)
Yeah have you heard the news?
I don’t think we’re gonna make It
(what will you do?)
Because government is coming for you.
Do you see it?
Believe in it?
(Launch me into orbit)
Our dreams will orbit the earth forever
The dead they speak to me
Told me you can’t break free
But they don’t see
What I’ve seen
So I tell them how it’s gonna
Tell me can you see it (see)
I don’t believe it (believe it)
When our dreams will orbit the earth forever

[@metalbladerecords]

LYRICS: Can you see it? Believe me that Our dreams will orbit the earth forever My heroes left me here in 1917 I fear To ponder and perform The religion of dogs of war But I can only lift that cup long enough to fill my mouth We’ll suffer, and scorn Another 800 billion suckers born And it ain’t lost on me (see it) That code is all I’m gonna be (believe it) But our dreams will orbit the earth forever Oh yeah I got ‘em bad Got them suborbital blues baby Existence Is oh so temporary (I’ve got my feet on the ground) We’ve all been waiting (waiting to escape this world) This obsession (will) Digitize perceptions Save us (save us) We live forever (save me from that hole in the ground) But now I’m light as a feather Just ones n zeros Is this heaven? I don’t feel I don’t think Just want St. Peter to let me in Because my sea is a black sea And the air is trying to kill me Oh god save me Now they’re dragging out the bodies To dig their holes in the ground again Throw your children to the sky See the widowed mothers crying again Tell me what will you do? (What will you do?) Yeah have you heard the news? I don’t think we’re gonna make It (what will you do?) Because government is coming for you. Do you see it? Believe in it? (Launch me into orbit) Our dreams will orbit the earth forever The dead they speak to me Told me you can’t break free But they don’t see What I’ve seen So I tell them how it’s gonna Tell me can you see it (see) I don’t believe it (believe it) When our dreams will orbit the earth forever

[@lulugallo7032]

♥

[@manosassassin]

Capitalize the "G" in God bruh 😤

[@carnalbrutality]

Dear god this shit just keeps getting better and better🤘💀🤘

[@dalcimaiusgalactus4247]

Sounds like "believe me that" each time. I don't hear "believe in it"

[@user-nk8fj2yk7l]

Great video ❤

[@nathanf9499]

I love how all 4 faces are on screen and we see Brody’s expressionless face while the other 3 sing 😂

[@cowboy255]

Brody’s feet are effortlessly blasting beats off camera 😂

[@Hideousspawn13]

Rivers if Nihil with a little Black Crown Initiate is all the world needs. Freakin awesome

[@franlovelsimic8421]

Absolute banger. Big relief too! I do hope BCI remains in some form because things aren't looking good for them at the moment.

[@Hideousspawn13]

Damn I hadn’t heard that but it hurts my heart 😔 they’re one of the best. But I guess if Rivers stays on this trajectory it might be a pretty solid replacement

[@corpseweed]

Terrible dudes, though. Talent clearly left the building.

[@Kaas1993]

Yep, this reminds me of the Song of the Crippled Bull EP, BCIs' best work imo. Very excited for the rest of the album!

[@Lavaman_E89]

@@corpseweed Are you referring to BCI being terrible dudes or Rivers?

[@Spinevoyager]

God damn. This feels like a song written by band mates who are all aligned on a specific vision and are firing on all cylinders. Legitimately fucking awesome.

[@metalbladerecords]

This is extremely accurate.

[@Dsquaredforever]

All cylinders being at least a V8, or Maybe a German inline 5, something of a dying era

[@Spinevoyager]

@@Dsquaredforever I'll take it!

[@dillonbuckley5063]

@@Dsquaredforever audi still does a 5 cyl. and its fucking amazing

[@cd5642]

Freedom of speech and thought

[@CaptnShred]

When they announced Andy was joining as a guitar player my first thought was "he better do vocals too". This is everything I hoped for. I love this band.

[@eclat4641]

Yes!

[@KevinUchihaOG]

im excited for ANdy in rivers of nihil, but man, gonna miss him in black crown initiate. How will they be able to find a replacement for him?

[@AhYesIndeedItsFunTime]

@@KevinUchihaOG they wont, that band as you knew it is donezo

[@slipknotpurity00]

This band fills an Opeth sized hole in my heart

[@lane3574]

Jake was an incredible vocalist. Even without him, I have faith that this band will produce something amazing.

[@lukkaturi]

They just did.

[@tylerjacobson8012]

Biggs sounds massive on this. He couldn’t have been more perfect. He sounds epic, evil, and most importantly with growls is he sounds clear. Jake was phenomenal but they’re in more than capable hands now.

[@EmanuelRibeiro7]

I'm really conflicted cuz I'm a big fan of BCI and hearing little pieces of it in one of the greatest bands ever is just strange. I also miss Jake's pitch in the core parts but hearing Andy's cleans in here is just awesome. Conflicted.😂❤

[@Zach_Beebe]

Jake will be missed. This version of the band fucking excites me though. This is a great track. Forever a top band for me.

[@iceticketliongaming806]

⁠@@EmanuelRibeiro7 same here but the confliction is seeing Andy Thomas now a part of Rivers of Nihil, which is absolutely sick, but has also left BCI. Hopefully tho both Rivers & Black Crown Initiate get some bright futures ahead with even greater material coming.

[@IICJZII]

Everything these guys do is pure gold. Cannot wait to see what the next album brings 😍

[@LINKENSSPHERE]

so happy to finally see adam is taking lead on vocals. always knew he had it in him. couldnt have picked a better person other than andy to do the cleans too, they compliment each other pretty well. excited for more!

[@fearless3073]

His cleans are the only thing he contributes that I can stand to listen to.....lmfao

[@drewmeyer700]

@@fearless3073i wish the drummer still did the cleans. They were amazing on the work

[@LINKENSSPHERE]

@@drewmeyer700 jared's doing the harmonies as well, he mentioned it during the premiere stream

[@addrokgarvey4308]

Adam sounds so good!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@fearless3073]

@@drewmeyer700 Yeah they were haha

[@Kyle-kr4je]

Anybody else cant stop listening to this song?

[@tulpasconstructor2711]

Me lol

[@leester321]

Spotify recommended me this song at 6:00 am this morning on my way to work. Listening for probably my 10th time now. The chorus is absolutely haunting

[@addrokgarvey4308]

That chorus is so good!!!!🤘🤘

[@wujBat]

Same here! Greetings from Iceland!

[@marshallsmith619]

I was lucky enough to see these guys open for BTBAM right after this song dropped. Rivers of Nihil friggin crushed it! If you have the chance to see them, I highly recommend.

[@tulpasconstructor2711]

Me too! Saw em in Mass. a few days ago, fukken awesome show! What a treat when they played this, that may well have been the highlight of the night for me, for real. I think this song is a masterpiece.

[@maelz]

Gonna see that tour Monday

[@Faceless3791plays]

This is peak Rivers Of Nihil! This lineup has so much talent. Andy and Jared's voices together is just perfect.

[@DylanMurray360]

Rivers of Nihil strikes the incredibly delicate balance between not compromising heaviness, and being a band I can introduce to my non-metal friends. This goes irresponsibly hard. Salute.

[@TheZenithPassage]

So sick!!!

[@aburlingham0915]

Hot take incoming: I'm a new fan, so I don't have the same nostalgic connection to Jake as most fans do. The guy is a monster and I love all of the songs he was the vocalist on, but I actually find I prefer Adam's vocals overall. They're so goddamn savage. Also considering he writes the lyrics for the band, I feel like you get more emotion behind their delivery. Really excited to hear the next full album! \m/

[@xC3NDx]

its amazing! as someone who started with where owls know my name, i LOVE THIS!!!!

[@adamfowler350]

Rivers of Nihil is a band that every rock/metal fan needs to know about.

[@GuillermoLopez-se6lp]

Black Crown of Nihil 🔥🤯 Very interested in what direction they're going after their last album.

[@rez6624]

This name is INSANE

[@AhYesIndeedItsFunTime]

@@rez6624 SO IS MY MOTHER

[@jitteryzeitgeist]

I loved Rivers of Nihil. I also loved Black Crown Initiate. This has the potential to be my favorite incarnation of each band, I fucking LOVE this.

[@melomaniac334]

🎶Our dreams will orbit the earth forever! Catchy as hell chorus. Vocals on point. Tight drums. Guitar solo was awesome! So stoked y'all are back! Let's gooo!

[@zackfreeman3985]

This band is literally a diamond in the rough. Omfg they are so amazing.

[@valeskapfeiffer6952]

this band produces masterpiece after masterpiece, they are incredible!

[@Eidolon11]

My wife left me and took the kids but I have new RoN to look forward to

[@adamsinger253]

You can have them back

[@Phantom-Signal]

Ya I was thinking the same thing lmao

[@tombgoblin4239]

your brothers of the metal community are here with you brother!

[@notsure1969]

There's an upside to everything.

[@stevie_stevens7134]

i’m assuming/hoping this was a joke but in the event it’s not, keep your head up brother things will get better. 🖤

[@ZurRuheGelegt]

HOLY SH!T!!!!!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@nobertgrzlytrudel]

Perfection!!!!!!!

[@slipknotpurity00]

This is legit one of the best and most original metal songs I've heard in a long long time.

[@danieldelafe959]

You can really hear what Andy adds to the writing process, especially the flavor his vocals will contribute to their sound now. Definitely a new era for Rivers of Nihil. I can't wait to hear more.

[@sshado2]

oh my god I need this album so bad. I have been listening to The Work non-stop since 2021... I LOVE YOUR MUSIC SO MUCH

[@bradlybuttcliff2665]

It's a nice taste of things to come. We gotta wait at least another year sadly :(. I want this new one so bad

[@Slayer-Knight]

Just want to add some more to the love for Jake. I learned about this band only when they released The Work and I have been hooked ever since. The Void From Which No Sound Escapes, Focus, and Capricorn/Agoratopia are some of my favorite songs of all time. And I just loved Jake's vocals. They are so powerful and gritty and heartfelt, with a very recognizable timbre. "I hope that this feeling won't split us in two!" And I was just hoping for a new release with Jake. And today I learned that he is no longer with the band... which saddens me... This song is good, and got me excited, but I truly believed they were doing a collaboration with somebody else on the vocals, again because I didn't know Jake had left. So part of me wishes this were still Jake's vocals, but I am interested in seeing this through and give it a chance, hopefully it catches me as much as I wanted if Jake were still the vocalist. Anyways, great job fellas!

[@icstatonato]

You guys can do no wrong. What a absolute banger. This chorus has been stuck in my head all day!

[@mrsmorbid87]

Most underrated band. One of my top 5!! :)

[@realbneall]

having seem them play this live, it literally sounds better then the studio version, perfect syncopation and execution. Respect.

[@jordandwyer4075]

Just got back from the show in Edmonton. Had to throw this tune on again as soon as I got through the door!

[@HumanScourgeYT]

This is so weird and unpredictable. I love it.

[@CruciaLou]

Holy fuck, love this band ever since inception and love them even more now with the flirtatious idea of an ever changing sound. Excited for their future!

[@nagelswe11]

This song is so god damn good! Release more stuff! Post haste!!

[@christophergray7982]

My most anticipated album.

[@MrApollo517]

This is everything i hoped for when andy joined the band.

[@DarKnight-mu3ed]

2023 JUST GOT LIT

[@RETUMBA]

This song feels like a strong "what if" to Andy's unfinished business with BCI; but he is now definitely an added factor to Rivers of Nihil. Which could be another premise of the song. The band is displaying a great neutral mode here. Nothing too fancy, but as always they don't shy away to show a new range of tools and dynamics.

[@timmyjenkins2864]

They played this song for the first time in Charleston. Man they kicked ass. Yall sound amazing!

[@HunterHomistek]

Holy mashed avocados with salt, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro, man. They just keep getting better. How.

[@christophergray7982]

I will .isten to this track for the rest of the year in anticipation for a new record. Easily my track of the year.

[@thefilmeffect6089]

Adam Biggs is the man and his range shocked me on this track. I love hearing more death growls in this band. Andy has been one of my favorite vocalists for years and his cleans strike a perfect balance of being moody without being whiney. I’m sad BCI is done, but im glad we aren’t deprived of Andy’s incredible vocals. His addition to one of my favorite bands is everything I hoped it would be. I can’t wait to hear more new music.

[@ChthonianGames]

I can't stop listening to this, it's so good

[@darkallyrecordings4931]

Such a Unique sound.....the vocals give this a whole different vibe for metal.

[@ELyAvErEX]

Beautiful in ultrawide!!!! amazing song and video

[@laszloegri4959]

I cant stop listening this.

[@Metal_Penguin_16]

I needed this! Just lost my grama 2 weeks ago and theres something about this song that just hits right in the feels. On repeat.

[@deathbyvideo1620]

Damn, i think i actually like them even more now with the lineup changes. The vocals are really impressive

[@romanko1010]

there is nothing better out there than this ... believe me. Lyrics are TOP, same with hellbirds

[@goblinkrunch]

Was just thinking it would be nice to have some more Rivers. And here we are!

[@brewdaddy4267]

This is an awesome tune. I've been following this band since the release of Where Owls Know My Name. I cant wait to hear what they have to offer this time.

[@Joos2000]

This is so epic I don't know what to do with myself.

[@oppressorb7196]

I'm digging that new sound!!! It's like Psychodelic Prog Metal or sth. Hope the next album will head in this direction

[@jacksond5071]

Black Rivers Nihil Initiate

[@mattrichardson5678]

Wasn’t sure if Adam would take all the harsh vocal duties after Jake’s departure, but he killed it, and this is a great new track.

[@WardenOfTerra]

What are you talking about? He's literally done that since they first started.

[@Lilies_Inc]

Finally!!! How I've waited! The Pink Floyd of metal!

[@nathanf9499]

Heard this song a few months ago, saw them live earlier in the month and that cemented my position on it. Biggs on vocals is a step forward for the band.

[@MNmarrow]

Couldn't agree more and that's saying a lot given I love the previous iteration of RON

[@thomaspridemore6254]

this made my whole week

[@posletti]

There's something I find really funny about the way Brody is sat in front the other three throughout the video 😂

[@cncpackaginginc1503]

Rivers of Initiate is an amazing final form for this band 🍻!

[@slh5697]

who else has been a fan since Temporality Unbound??

[@IrreversibleMechanism]

Your new direction is absolutely top notch guys!

[@erik.kangas]

Saw these boys last year and they sound SO good live. Definitely a talented group of gentleman.

[@ampushade8809]

Killer 🤘

[@Lavaman_E89]

This is what excellence is. I don't know what more I'd ask for in a song, good shit!

[@ShiivaWilding]

Dude, getting Andy Thomas on board was such a great idea, his vocals are killer!

[@DavidGeelan2029]

Loving this: always so keen to see where this amazing band will take me next

[@xC3NDx]

Wow! i didnt know the vocalist had parted was til recently. This music is amazing!!! it was before also, but Damn!!! i almost like it more now

[@xC3NDx]

ways*

[@Rafooky92]

Following these guys for a while now. Great to come back and be totally satisfied

[@rubar1025]

MORE!! MORE!! BRING ME MORE!!

[@mikejames5743]

rock radio stations should be playing this. This is current and relevant.

[@MatthewLancaster01]

First time I heard this song was after a cheeky blunt in the alleyway a couple months back when they played with The Ocean and Ne Obliviscaris in Melbourne, was fucking awesome

[@blackenedheart9592]

Gonna see these guys live for the very first time tomorrow night 🤘 I haven't heard much by them so far but they sound amazing!

[@Ghostman_Willie]

At first I thought oh shit Black Crown Initiate guest singer? Then I learned he joined and I love his cleans. I also didn’t know that Adam took over lead vocals. Sounds fucking brutal!

[@KadintheGuitarDude]

Absolutely sublime. This new era of Rivers Of Nihil is going to be fucking fantastic.

[@zraven2931]

I adore these vocals, and the melody seems almost opeth-esque in some parts, while still maintaining a very unique style! This is some really really good stuff :D

[@keithchristen8497]

Andy is great. Solid song and looking forward to a new album

[@TheReapersSon]

Nice Decapitated shirt! Guitarist knows his stuff!

[@BattleMage369]

Behold, the beatles reincarnated and blessed with the gift of endarkenment.

[@carnalbrutality]

You guys keep growing and it's amazing to hear where you're going! Your sound has matured so much and your skills and talents keep the shock and awe going! 🤘💀🤘

[@trowabarton222]

Hearing Andy's cleans in a Rivers of Nihil song is what I've been waiting for and I'm not disappointed. Love you guys so much!

[@alecdawg11]

Didn't he do cleans in Where Owls Know My Name (the song, not the entire album)?

[@bradleybaynard5536]

@@alecdawg11 nope! As far as I know Biggs did all the cleans? Maybe Jake a little too

[@trowabarton222]

@@alecdawg11 correct. He did cleans at the beginning of the song. You see him singing/playing tambourine in the video.

[@mncphotography]

even within the midst of the greatest moment in heavy music (the post pandemic boom) this is the greatest song I've probably heard and got excited about in 6+ years. I've always really liked BCI and RoN but I fucking LOVE this. and the creatives behind the music video did an incredible job. videos are taking me out of it nowadays, this adds so much value.

[@weiyunchi]

Cannot wait for the new album! Loving this track!

[@eb9067]

Oooh so glad to be seeing y’all soon especially after this slapper

[@aaronpotton2641]

Absolutely fucking love this song! I literally started listening to Rivers of nihil 4 days ago and im binge listening everything i can from this band! Awesome band 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 i think Adam Biggs is a brilliant bassist and an even better vocalist and front man!!

[@BansheeEnt]

Immense track. Added to our KZbin and Spotify June Playlists

[@alinedickinson6970]

Essa música vicia mais que cachaça, desde do lançamento eu ouço ao menos 2x no dia! Já é uma das melhores do ano! 🤘

[@metalwithanil]

Love from BHARAT (India)......\m/..... always..

[@KardashevBand]

Well done boys. Rad tune! 🤘🏽🎶

[@cristiancristian3552]

Beautiful song, the chorus and the video clip send me somewhere in 70's

[@the6ig6adwolf]

That's the best damn song I've heard all year. F*ck yeah RoN, fuck yeah 🤘

[@tulpasconstructor2711]

These guys rocked Worcester, MA! Opening for BTBAM with Thank you Scientist, epic show!

[@rockenweb]

Long live to beautiful metal songs like this

[@tulpasconstructor2711]

Amen

[@chimeiwangliang]

So glad to see Andy as a member! Can't wait to hear more!

[@n.o2164]

Black crown initiate realised top notch albums

[@bergingwer0738]

Im so happy to hear a new song from u! I love it❤

[@noelcampbell6411]

Turned this on at work, sitting in an office with headphones. Holy crap, that drumming, the guitar chug, the insane vocals......Headbanging Challenge: FAILED.

[@goblinkin]

at all costs.. keep this sound.. 10/10