Translate

EP Review- A Ritual Spirit- Elements I

-

Artwork by Sam Hayles
Scotland's Alt Metal Act A Ritual Spirit has released Elements I, the first of a two-part album, via their own record label, Disposable Noise. Produced by Bryan Ramage at Ramage Productions, this is the band's third release. The six tracks run just over 27 minutes and focus on the isolation and anxieties of the pandemic.

Formed in 2013, the quartet has formed an ardent fan base throughout the UK, supporting acts like Warrior Soul, and performing at Bloodstock Festival. The band combines angsty rock with a heavy metal guitar sound. The EP begins with the optimistic message of 'Zion', a track with a groovy and heavy riff, soft pop vocals and a reggae-infused chorus that leaves a pleasant start for the emerging band. This leads to the menacing drum intro of 'Underneath', a song that feels profoundly influenced by the NU- Metal era. The soft vocals stretch over sharp riffs and basslines. The EP does start resembling a sample of early 2000s commercial metal bands. The razor-sharp riffing and vocal melodies wouldn't be out of place on national radio. 'Free The Fallen' sets a timely example of this point. 'Fever Dream' notches up the intensity with the snarling vocals and dark, groove-orientated distorted riffs. The quintet knows how to target its audience with an array of solid guitar work, dynamic bassline and pummeling drums that don't let up.
The harsh tones of 'Slow the River' emerges like a snake out of grasslands. The hook-laden chorus and alternate finger picking build to some searing guitar leads and solo. And finally, 'Rodent', the longest track on the EP in over six minutes. This is a more structured track than the others. The long instrumental passages build to emotive vocals and crunching drums to wrap things up.

Overall, A Ritual Spirit has written an album that gives listeners an appetite for seconds. The productions, songwriting, tunes, and self-awareness to grow as a band are a welcome surprise for metalheads alike.

Rating 8/10


Words by Anselm Anderson


SOCIAL MEDIA






 

Comments

  1. Blooming Prejippie Zine03/06/2022, 00:07

    Thanks, Anselm, for continuing to bring us new rock! :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dead Daisies' Vocalist John Corabi Releases 'That Memory' Music Video, Ahead of Debut Album .

-
Image
Today, Dead Daisies' Vocalist JOHN CORABI   unveils his new single " That Memory ," taken from his upcoming debut full-length solo album 'New Day,' set for release on April 24, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl . The new track arrived alongside an official music video, available to view below.  JOHN comments on the excitement behind the track: "'That Memory' is a great tune that my good pal Charlie Starr sent me a rough idea on. I played it for Marti Frederiksen (my producer) and he loved it. We changed the key to fit my voice and recorded it!! It’s a great tune, and without being too emasculated…It’s my wife’s favorite from the record!!!! Thank you Charlie Starr!!!!" Watch the Music Video for "That Memory" HERE ‘New Day’marks an exciting chapter in the singer's storied career. This is  JOHN CORABI’s first full-length solo album of original material. Recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by multi-platinum songwrit...
Read more

Lord of the Lost Releases "My Funeral" Music Video, Ahead of New Album

-
Image
[Photo Credit: VD Pictures] Edited by Anselm Anderson Popular Hamburg-based band Lord of the Lost are gearing up for the final chapter of their trilogy with the release of their latest single, " My Funeral ". The concluding part of their OPVS NOIR album series, OPVS NOIR Vol. 3 , is set to drop on April 10, 2026. The band has experienced a steady rise over the past couple of years, with nearly half a million listeners on Spotify, a standout appearance at the Eurovision final in 2023, a number-one album, and international tours with Iron Maiden . LORD OF THE LOST are proving themselves to be one of the most exciting and successful acts around today. OPVS NOIR Vol. 3 represents the creative peak of a band at the top. The year started with shows in the USA, Canada, and Australia, and now continues with the upcoming headline tour across Europe. The tour kicks off on Thursday, 12 March, in Oslo, Norway . Chris Harms  adds cheerfully on “My Funeral”: “The message of the song – ...
Read more

EP Review: Phillip Shouse-Vol 1

-
Image
  Photo Courtesy of Wild Kingdom Records Words Written by Anselm Anderson Phillip Shouse , the renowned session musician , released his debut EP ' Vol 1 ' last week through Wild Kingdom Records. After more than two decades of supporting his contemporaries, Shouse emerges as the lead vocalist and songwriter of his unique hard rock style .  The current guitarist of Accept  has appeared on four albums and has toured internationally with the legendary Teutonic metal band . Shouse's CV highlights his collaborations with notable artists, including Kiss alumni Gene Simmons and the late Ace Frehley , as well as country musician Rodney Atkins and former Mötley Crüe frontman John Corabi . Additionally, Shouse hosts his own jam session nights in Nashville and is a co-founder and co-owner of Rock N Röll , a Swedish non-alcoholic beer company. I initially approached this EP expecting it to be a heavy metal release filled with guitar-heavy tracks. However, I found the opposite...
Read more