Review: “I Found Myself In The Dark” by Rituals

They say that luck is simply about being in the right place at the right time and for Newcastle’s Rituals that is something they have made a habit out of. Having already enjoyed widespread praise for their debut EP “Awake” and enjoyed support slots with Raga Metal Kings Skindred and Northern Deathcore brutes Osiah, September 2022 saw the arrival of sophomore EP “Show Me The Signs“. Continuing their perpetual forward motion, that also received critical acclaim, showcasing evolving song writing and musical maturity as well as the bands energy but the band simply refuse to rest on their laurels. Instead 2023 has found them Winning Kerrang! Radio’s The Deal competition and secured them the chance to record a game-changing EP with Marshall Records as well as performing at the 20th Anniversary of Download Festival. That EP is “I Found Myself In The Dark“…

The blend of Metal sub-genres within the makeup of Rituals sound has always been part of their appeal, elements of Post-Hardcore and Groove Metal at the core. They’ve never been ones to hold back, following their instincts and taking risks that have paid off handsomely all along the way, so to find a cut based on the lack of awareness for others issues, problems and grief as the first of this trio isn’t a surprise. “Living Blind” brings with it programming and distinctive Gloom Metal toned Metalcore riff to put bounce in the mosh pit but the chorus is as bold, brave and clean as MacRae can produce. His vocal range on this one is incredible, from that arena filling chorus and a later verse which echoes the finest in the current World dominating Australian scene, to the throat splitting lows, he has all the weapons in his arsenal, all the while Ewan Lee slinging riffs in all directions. If anything, this powerhouse cut could go on another verse and chorus, the song ending on a breakdown that screams out to be extended. “I Found Myself In The Dark” feels like it’s a demo from “Alien” era Northlane, blending the electronics with a punchy main riff while the clean chorus is curtailed by screams as the verse breaks. Another powerhouse that illuminates, it confirms that for all the pain and anguish in the tortured introspective lyrical narrative, the band are still able to generate gritty material that resonates. There is no woe is me in this but instead a weight and gravity amplified by the quality of the musicianship to give us something that really hits home. A stompy groove brings in “Cataclysm“, lacking only the Keg drum element to sound distinctly like “Subliminal Verses” era Slipknot but this is Rituals having fun in cathartic fashion. Once again, the song ends before the four minute mark, when it could happily go one more time around without making us sick. There is no question that Rituals are going to be the next big thing; it’s a matter if when rather than if [9/10]

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“I Found Myself In The Dark” by Rituals is out 3rd August 2023 via Marshall Records