Album Review: Ritual Death – Ritual Death (Shadow Records / Regain Records)

Shadow Records (distributed & marketed by Regain Records) presents Ritual Death’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album. Out on December 5th, 2022, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.

As black and bleak as it comes, Ritual Death’s self-titled debut album is one for those with a dark heart. Those who don’t just enjoy a bit of misery, but celebrate in it. The uncomplicated brutality and chilling desolation of the band’s sound is as appealing as it is off-putting. How you feel about the raw and relentless sound of extreme blackened metal will decide how much of an impact Ritual Death have upon you.

Don’t resist it though. Ritual Death are drawing from the primordial past and unleashing it upon a soft and unexpected world. The cacophony of savage metal is hellish, yet like a strong illness, it will make you shiver from head to toe.

There’s no comfort to be found across the nine tracks though. Ritual Death have a goal and it’s to batter the senses into oblivion. Something they easily accomplish even if it does leave you so numb at times, it’s hard to focus on the next intense smash and grab. Such is the monstrous and manic approach to black metal that the group take.

It’s enjoyable as hell though. Especially as Ritual Death are no slouches when it comes instrumental and vocal ferociousness. It’s a debut album to remember and Ritual Death make every second count.

Links

Bandcamp | Big Cartel | Shadow Records | Regain Records