The Black Map #173: Rituals from Newcastle!

Travelling back down the United Kingdom from Glasgow and Death Infused Thrash act Dominicide to Newcastle and Rituals who describe themselves as Modern Metal is the way we roll with our weekly look at the UK Underground Metal scene. Both bands have in common that they’re dropping new EPs in September (which is where the comparison ends!) with Rituals joining Sertraline for on of their final shows with frontwoman Lizzie Parry at Little Buildings in Newcastle on the 11th. A home town throwdown that at this point in time looks to be the EP release show.

Formed in 2018 the quartet have dropped six singles in three years to establish their sound and find their feet before committing to tape the four tracks that comprise “Awake” with last year’s “Snakes Head” and “P.O.V” being firm fan favourites. Each one of those six has marked something of a sonic progression that has seen the band evolve into a heavier riff beast, layering in melody with sludgey bass lines meaning that the EP release has become a highly anticipated one. A change at the drum stool could have been an issue but Rituals tool that in their stride, adding former Arcite drummer Matthew Dix to the ranks in June, a move which bodes well for the future as he brings with him a wealth of live experience having shared stages with Mushroomhead, 36 Crazyfists and Soulfly to name but a few. Pre-orders for “Awake” and merch bundles are available here.