This is the second EP from New Zealand metal band Infinity Ritual.
2022’s Infinity Ritual was such a strong EP. It came out of nowhere and really made a mark. Now we have its follow up II. It’s hard to really classify this as an EP though, as it contains 40 minutes of new music! Still, who am I to complain about how bands classify their releases?
II contains five tracks. The first is an intro, tracks two-four are songs, and then the fifth is a 19-minute epic. The intro track is as pointless as any intro track typically is, but the rest of the tracks are the exact opposite. It seems that Infinity Ritual have capitalised on their early promise very nicely indeed.
Infinity Ritual’s charismatic blend of stoner metal and doom rock is on fire throughout II. The songs are well-written and showcase a developing band increasingly becoming comfortable with their style, which this time around also contains an increase in tastefully applied progressive rock elements. It’s also heavier overall, with the band’s harsher aspects coming to the fore more frequently. The music on II reflects a greater level of proficiency, ambition, and willingness to take risks, all of which have paid dividends across this album-length EP.
The vocals are delivered on a spectrum between clean and harsh, both of which have their strengths and are given the appropriate time to shine. There’s a greater variety in the vocals, and less emphasis on pure cleans.
Enriched by synths, piano, and other sounds at select points, the music has blossomed into a formidable proposition. Packed with riffs that make you want to move, and a charismatic presence that draws you in close, II is worth you time.
Infinity Ritual continue to impress. This might not technically be the band’s debut album, but it basically is at this length. Regardless, it’s hideously enjoyable and engaging, and if this is merely an EP, I cannot wait to hear what they bring to an actual album of material.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 