Ritualistic - Hollowborn
Ritualistic has been around since 2012, but this U.S. based group has only recently put out their full length debut. The music is definitely a typical death metal opus that sounds like a mix of Inferi and Black Dahlia Murder with less screeching higher pitched vocals, but the production is clear enough you can hear the technical and melodic elements without feeling that the music is a bit too fuzzy. The group certainly knows how to cut back on the typical overuse of synth and keyboards when it comes to a lot of death metal bands and melody and focus on the guitar elements to really draw out some emotional moments. Tracks like ‘The Will of Ba’al’ really showcase the use of the guitar solos and riffs to draw out the melodic bits among the more furious tone of the drums and vocals, which have that deep, thunderous grunt that is effective but at the same time overshadows a lot of the other musical elements such as the bass on the track. The higher pitched snarl on ‘Hollowborn’ is less invading and balances out the music more overall.
Those looking for more a more technical side of the group will enjoy tracks like ‘Mask’ which features some of the best drumming or ‘Rebirth’ which has some layered guitar solos and even a turned up bass which takes away from the typical chug fest that tends to populate tracks like ‘Ashen Blood’ or ‘Beyond,’ which feature the more brutal side of the group, especially on the vocal side which almost feel like they are leaning into slam death territory with how guttural they get. There are some ‘quiet moments’ on ‘Call or Morbidity’ which uses some melodic guitar notes to build into the track, but it is so simple and different compared to the other tracks which just kick right off that it will certainly be a stand out track. The drum sections of the track do feel a bit overshadowed as the guitars are really pushed to the front to stand out, possibly making it a focus of how ‘guitar virtuoso’ the group can be.
There is the closer ‘Ascend’ which is devoid of vocals and lets listeners enjoy the full musicianship of the group, but it feels like a half hearted mix of melody and technicality with its overall tone. A lot of the other tracks showcased quite a bit more and did not include the symphonic backdrop that tries to elevate the music atmospherically and at the same time feels it gets in the way of the guitar solos and drumming because it clouds the technical moments. Still, it is a different touch for Ritualistic at this point and those who really feel death metal needs more symphonic elements will certainly appreciate it, especially those who liked Inferi’s third album, “Revenant”. The riffs are pretty chunky and the band seems to go for more of their melodic side versus technical on the overall track. Ultimately for a debut album it is evident that the patience paid off in waiting a bit of time to get “Hollowborn” out as while there isn’t too much variation between tracks, the overall sound is solid and a strong blend of melody, technicality, and crushing death metal together. It certainly will appeal to those who like a brutal sound that isn’t too repetitive or fast- a lot of mid paced tracks with very few interludes or slow moments to stop the momentum as the sound crushes everything in its path led by well toned vocals and backed by melodic guitar.
3 / 5 STARS
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Those looking for more a more technical side of the group will enjoy tracks like ‘Mask’ which features some of the best drumming or ‘Rebirth’ which has some layered guitar solos and even a turned up bass which takes away from the typical chug fest that tends to populate tracks like ‘Ashen Blood’ or ‘Beyond,’ which feature the more brutal side of the group, especially on the vocal side which almost feel like they are leaning into slam death territory with how guttural they get. There are some ‘quiet moments’ on ‘Call or Morbidity’ which uses some melodic guitar notes to build into the track, but it is so simple and different compared to the other tracks which just kick right off that it will certainly be a stand out track. The drum sections of the track do feel a bit overshadowed as the guitars are really pushed to the front to stand out, possibly making it a focus of how ‘guitar virtuoso’ the group can be.
There is the closer ‘Ascend’ which is devoid of vocals and lets listeners enjoy the full musicianship of the group, but it feels like a half hearted mix of melody and technicality with its overall tone. A lot of the other tracks showcased quite a bit more and did not include the symphonic backdrop that tries to elevate the music atmospherically and at the same time feels it gets in the way of the guitar solos and drumming because it clouds the technical moments. Still, it is a different touch for Ritualistic at this point and those who really feel death metal needs more symphonic elements will certainly appreciate it, especially those who liked Inferi’s third album, “Revenant”. The riffs are pretty chunky and the band seems to go for more of their melodic side versus technical on the overall track. Ultimately for a debut album it is evident that the patience paid off in waiting a bit of time to get “Hollowborn” out as while there isn’t too much variation between tracks, the overall sound is solid and a strong blend of melody, technicality, and crushing death metal together. It certainly will appeal to those who like a brutal sound that isn’t too repetitive or fast- a lot of mid paced tracks with very few interludes or slow moments to stop the momentum as the sound crushes everything in its path led by well toned vocals and backed by melodic guitar.
3 / 5 STARS
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1. Hollowborn
2. Ashen Blood
3. The Will Of Ba’al
4. Mask
5. Call Of Morbidity
6. Beyond
7. Rebirth
8. Illusion Of Choice
9. Ascend
2. Ashen Blood
3. The Will Of Ba’al
4. Mask
5. Call Of Morbidity
6. Beyond
7. Rebirth
8. Illusion Of Choice
9. Ascend
Self released
Reviewer: Colin McNamara
Jul 9, 2020
Jul 9, 2020
Next review:
En-Stigma - Reforming The Universe
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