The River Runs Black Formed In 2003 In Oakland CA USA As A Progressive Doom/art Metal Band. The Band Was Founded By Ex-Offering To The Sun Members Max MacFarlane Guitars Vocals And Clay Powers Drums Vocals Along With Kirk Swinson Guitar Vocals Jason Brandes Bass And Nine K. Viola . Nine Left The Band In 2006 And Was Replaced By Chris Johnson Keyboards . The Band Recorded Their Debut Album "Turn Of The Tides" In Late 2006 With Producer/engineer Oz Fritz Tom Waits Primus And Self Released It In 2007. Sean Conroy Replaced Chris On Keyboards In 2007 And Played With The Band Until Its Final Show In Late 2007.