Rivers of Nihil announce new drummer; launch drum play-through for "Perpetual Growth Machine" online

Photo credit: Simon Girard

Progressive death metal outfit Rivers of Nihil have amicably parted ways with drummer Alan Balamut. Regarding the split, Alan comments: "Hey everyone. I'm sure many of you already know and some may not but I have decided to part ways with Rivers of Nihil a few months ago in good terms. The reason is simply that I need to financially situate myself (NYC isn't easy) and my urge to finish school in Music Production. I found Dylan Potts just before my departure and I believe he fits in and performs with the band in phenomenal ways. The whole ride was an amazing and unforgettable experience and I have nothing but respect for each member, former member, our manager, all the people I've met and Metal Blade Records. In the meantime I'll be doing session work and other music productions, and I'll be more open for touring after I finish school in 2016-- and if Rivers ever need any assistance, I'll be right there for them. I wish the band all the success for next year and beyond!"

With Alan's departure, Rivers of Nihil welcome Dylan Potts to join their ranks! To showcase his talent behind the kit, the band has filmed a new drum play-through for the track "Perpetual Growth Machine", taken from their new album, Monarchy. To watch the video, please visit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or6MreBH7Xs

Rivers of Nihil are currently preparing for their headlining USA tour next month with Black Fast and Dark Sermon. See below for all dates!

Rivers of Nihil tour dates w/ Black Fast, Dark Sermon

Feb. 17 - Buffalo, NY - Broadway Joe's Feb. 18 - Amityville, NY - Amityville Music Hall Feb. 19 - New York, NY - Saint Vitus Feb. 20 - Long Branch, NJ - The Brighton Bar Feb. 21 - Frederick, MD - Club 611 Feb. 22 - Fayetteville, NC - The DHP Feb. 23 - Columbia, SC - New Brookland Tavern Feb. 24 - Orlando, FL - The Haven Feb. 25 - Ybor City, FL - Crowbar Feb. 26 - Pensacola, FL - The Handlebar Feb. 27 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade Feb. 28 - Nashville, TN - The End * Mar. 1 - Indianapolis, IN - The Hoosier Dome * Mar. 2 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's * Mar. 3 - Dayton, OH - Rockstar Pro Arena * Mar. 4 - Lakewood, OH - The Foundry * Mar. 5 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Smiling Moose * Mar. 6 - Washington D.C. - The Pinch * *=Rivers of Nihil, Dark Sermon only

Rivers of Nihil will be touring in support of their recently released, sophomore album, Monarchy. Hailed as "the gold standard for extreme, technical, progressive, and passionate death metal right now" (HeavyBlogIsHeavy.com), Monarchy continues the seasonal concept that began with spring on Rivers of Nihil's acclaimed debut, The Conscious Seed of Light - this time, welcoming the oppressive summer heat. 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."