The quartet's musicianship has been honed to a fine point thanks to an unrelenting touring schedule over the past few years, including headline tours of the U.S. and EU/UK, as well as touring with Cattle Decapitation, Carnifex, Lorna Shore, Between the Buried and Me, and touring with titans of progressive death metal Cynic, Beyond Creation, and Dååth.
Life on the road for Rivers is a treat for fans and band members alike. For the most part, it's very mellow, with a lot of laughs and a lot of ball-busting. Andy (Guitar, Vocals) and I have been friends for over 15 years, and Jared (Drums) has been in the fold since 2017, says founding member/guitarist Brody Uttley. Founding bassist Adam Biggs became the band's new lead vocalist/bassist in 2023, which upped the ante and led to the release of the self-titled album Rivers of Nihil (2025). Traditionally, a self-titled record can signal a return to basics and/or a fresh beginning, and in 10 powerful songs, it's clear that both those factors are in play. I feel like these songs are the perfect blend of all our albums, with all the fat cut away, says Uttley.
River of Nihil has riffs, big choruses, the prog, the solos, the sax and now it will have Aotearoa New Zealand
Local tip
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If you're feeling hungry after your gig at Whammy Bar, be sure to check out Lord of the Fries, just around the corner, for some delicious fries and other vegetarian and vegan-friendly fast food options.
Getting there
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There is a bus stop located directly outside the arcade and if you're driving, there are several parking options in the surrounding area, including metered street parking and paid parking lots. Just look for the arcade entrance on K'Road, and you'll find Whammy Bar nestled inside.
More info
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