Rivers of Nihil

One of the latest groups to hit the modern death metal scene are Pennsylvania's Rivers of Nihil, who unveil their debut full-length, The Conscious Seed of Light, following two previous EPs. The newcomers take tech-death and add djent-style bombardments, in a Decrepit Birth-meets-Meshuggah kind of way, and it works so very well, striking the perfect balance of straightforward and progressive components. The Conscious Seed of Light was recorded with master death metal producer/Hate Eternal main man Erik Rutan, and it shows. Featuring dynamic, well-composed tracks, the record starts off with fierce, sweeping guitar work on "Terrestria I: Thaw" before kicking into an assault of heavy, aggressive riffs on "Rain Eater," a transition they incorporate throughout. Highlight "Mechanical Trees" contains inhuman drum work and groove-filled guitars, showcasing the band's impressive songwriting and musicianship. Although Rivers of Nihil wear their influences on their sleeves, they have the necessary substance, making The Conscious Seed of Light a solid, memorable album.