Here we have some Black Metal from the US in the form of Ritual.
It starts off all plinky-plinky, (a technical term), before the drums start and then a mournful guitar sweeps in. It’s an unexpected entry into the album as I was ready for a more traditional blastbeat-heavy entrance, (probably after some perfunctory intro), so this was a welcome change of pace.
This is early 90’s-style Black Metal with a sorrowful NWOBHM edge to it, and highly enjoyable it is to.
The vocalist is full of passion and has a good set of lungs which he uses to scream praises of evil and hate. The vocal rhythms fit perfectly over the mid-paced riffs and the songs are simple but effective.
Short songs with good composition rule the roost and melodic guitars slip easily into the ear.
This is an easy album to listen to; the scything, razor-edged vocals and the Black melodies dripping with scorn and melancholy create an enjoyable listen. Recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 