In their recent social media posts, progressive death metal band Rivers of Nihil has revealed that they’re parting ways with longtime guitarist Jonathan Topore. The band’s official statement doesn’t reveal the exact reason, although they mention that they are still in good relations with Topore. It reads:
“After nearly eight years of working together Rivers of Nihil has decided to part ways with guitarist Jonathan Topore. Like any relationship, sometimes it becomes clear that it is simply time for a change that will be in the best interest of everyone involved. We love Jon and we still consider him to be a great friend to all of us in the band.”
Along with this comes the news of a replacement guitarist for the upcoming shows. The man in question is Andy Thomas of Black Crown Initiate. Andy has already worked with the band in the past, particularly on the “Where Owls Know My Name” title track where he added some backing vocals. We also know him as the tambourine man from the song’s video.
The statement further reads:
“With that being said, we would like to announce that our very old friend Andy Thomas from Black Crown (and Where Owls Know My Name guest vocal/music video/tambourine fame) will be stepping in for our upcoming headlining tour with Fallujah, Alluvial, and Warfoged.”
They also add:
“As a fellow Reading, PA area native Andy has been passively and actively involved with Rivers of Nihil since our inception and there is no other person that we trust more than him to take on this position.”
Jonathan Topore has been with the band since 2014, replacing their original guitarist Jon Kunz. During his time with the group, he has worked on three albums – “Monarchy,” “Where Owls Know My Name,” and “The Work.” At this point, Black Crown’s Andy Thomas is a temporary replacement. We’re yet to hear what’s going to happen next in terms of their official lineup. As for the upcoming tour dates, you can catch Rivers of Nihil on these dates:
With Fallujah, Alluvial, Warforged:
- 05/06 Market Hotel – Brooklyn, NY
- 05/07 Jewel – Manchester, NH
- 05/08 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA
- 05/10 Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD
- 05/11 Blind Tiger – Greensboro, NC
- 05/12 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA
- 05/13 The End – Nashville, TN
- 05/14 The Haven – Orlando, FL
- 05/15 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL
- 05/17 Southport Hall – New Orleans, LA
- 05/18 Scout Bar – Houston, TX
- 05/19 Amplified – Dallas, TX
- 05/20 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX w/ Hypocrisy
- 05/21 Rockhouse Bar – El Paso, TX
- 05/22 Nile Theater – Phoenix, AZ
- 05/23 Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar & Billiards
- 05/24 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA w/ The Zenith Passage
- 05/25 1720 – Los Angeles, CA w/ The Zenith Passage
- 05/26 Full Circle Brewery – Fresno, CA w/ The Zenith Passage
- 05/27 Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA w/ The Zenith Passage
- 05/28 Star Theater – Portland, OR
- 05/29 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
- 05/31 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
- 06/01 Bluebird – Denver, CO w/ Burial In The Sky
- 06/02 BLVD – Kansas City. MO w/ Burial In The Sky
- 06/03 Reggies – Chicago, IL w/ Burial In The Sky
- 06/04 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI w/ Burial In The Sky
- 06/05 Crafthouse – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Burial In The Sky
End Tour
- 06/10 Capital Ale House – Richmond, VA
- 06/11 Ships of the Sea Museum – Savannah, GA – Aura Fest
- 06/12 Radio Room – Greenville, SC
Photo: Metal Blade
