Rivers Of Nihil, Cynic, Beyond Creation, Daath Club Academy, Manchester 8th March 2025 – GIG REVIEW
9th March 2025The Aggressive Progressive EU/UK Tour. Could a tour name be more descriptive and succinct? A tour package consisting of extreme metal acts ranging from seminal genre acts through to newer and bolder artists, all tied together by a desire to push boundaries and challenge perceptions of what the genre can and could be. Ahead of their hotly awaited and upcoming self-titled new release, Rivers Of Nihil have been causing a stir for all the right reasons and would be headline act for the evening though there would be no shortage of firepower on the undercard. There was some competition in the area with Raging Speedhorn playing at nearby Rebellion, yet the turnout appeared to be healthy here at Club Academy. Tapestry lineups are always well attended and of high quality, after all. After a quick visit to the merch stand (new patches acquired), the bar for liquid refreshments, and then finding a prime viewing spot at the barrier, it was time for the opening act.
Daath
This was personal for me, given that the “The Hinderers” was on my regular rotation in 2007, as a 15-year-old metal head first learning to shave and discovering heavier music! After well over a decade of absence, I would have the opportunity to see a formative band for myself and relive some of that magic of first discovering them. It seems many others in the venue shared that sentiment, given that many in the room could be seen singing along to arguably the band’s most famous song ‘Subterfuge’. I was singing too, and squealed in joy as I heard the drum fill signalling the beginning of ‘Day Of Endless Light’, which got the attention of the band’s vocalist, and also signalled the opening of our first pits of the evening! There was plenty of heads banging throughout a set that represented a good old-fashioned technical death metal set. Nothing too slick or fancy, though some of those lead guitar solos were sublime. Good things come to those who wait, but let’s not leave it so long next time guys, right?
Beyond Creation
Now, with no disrespect to Daath, Beyond Creation were a significant step up in quality! Everything about the band’s individual musicianship and overall presentation just screamed of a top tier act! Their short set only afforded a 4 song set for the Canadians, though this included what is (in my opinion) their magnus opus ‘Omnipresent Perception’ which encapsulates everything that’s wonderful about them. Whether it’s the mind-boggling complex rhythmic patterns, the delicious hypnotic and engrossing basslines that far exceed the realms of elementary root notes, or just the sheer balls-to-the-wall intensity, this is the kind of song that anybody from seasoned musicians to casual observers to agree that objectively, is incredible. With a sound this complex, the margin of error is razor thin and one note out of place can turn the whole set into a mushy mess. Though Beyond Creation retained a remarkable level of clarity and tightness made even more impressive considering that this was the first gig for the band’s drummer! I must see Beyond Creation again.
Cynic
The veteran seminal act for the evening and arguably the reason that the progressive metal genre – and the bands on this line up – exist! The band’s successful fusion of jazz, progressive and other experimental genres into more traditional heavy metal has earned them the respect of many a musician globally. Though sadly, something just felt off tonight. Vocalist Paul reported illness that would affect his vocal ability and thus offering a ‘unique sound’ to his voice this evening, in his words, which may have been partially why. Though some mistakes seemed a little amateur, such as some miscues and playing the wrong backing track at one point. Overall, they’re very good at what they do but the more laid back and dialled down sound sapped the energy from the room and didn’t match the sheer intensity and dynamism of the bands that had preceded them, resulting in less crowd engagement. It felt as though there was a collective hunger in the room for the headline act to finally take to the stage…
Rivers Of Nihil
‘A band that doesn’t look like what they sound like’ is how my brother had described Rivers Of Nihil to me a few days prior. This seemed apt given the slick clean waistcoat and shirt attire sported by each member. Blistering and full throttle intense, their sound was anything but clean. An intensity matched by the ravage and feral pits, and later crowd surfers. Though the band have incorporated more refined and experimental elements to their sound, including saxophone player Patrick. Yep, a tech metal band with a saxophone player! Every time he made an appearance, he was greeted with an eruption of applause and a heroes welcome. Including modern numbers and back catalogue classics such as ‘Where Owls Know My Name’, and ‘The Void From Which No Sound Escapes’ were enough to send the already white hot crowd into overdrive. The band’s sound was highlighted by a stellar lighting display with bars and strobe lights matching each crushing note with pinpoint accuracy. There seems to be a trend of touring bands playing longer and longer headline sets, sometimes exceeding 100 minutes! Rivers Of Nihil instead stuck to a short and intense hour slot.
“ONE MORE SONG! ONE MORE SONG!”
The inevitable desperate plea for one more song from a rabid crowd not ready for their night to end. A phenomenal introduction to the band for me as well as an opportunity for diehard fans to revel in their favourite tracks played in the flesh.
