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

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

[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.

[Hideousspawn]

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

[nathanf]

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

[lane]

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

[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.

[IICJZII]

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

[leester]

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

[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!

[Joshmathisdrums]

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

[melomaniac]

🎶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!

[ELyAvErEX]

Beautiful in ultrawide!!!! amazing song and video

[marshallsmith]

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.

[jordandwyer]

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

[zackfreeman]

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

[adamfowler]

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

[valeskapfeiffer]

this band produces masterpiece after masterpiece, they are incredible!

[Kyle-krje]

Anybody else cant stop listening to this song?

[DylanMurray]

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.

[slipknotpurity]

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