Comprehensive in any language the ideology of religion is universal regardless of its manifestation. Looking in particular at Christianity and its etymology, one of the oldest mysteries of history. Known to be the language of Jesus himself Aramaic is but one of these linguistic vehicles, though his existence is questionable his presence throughout history has defined our culture as we know it. Evolving from primitive beginnings to its seemingly limitless scope of the modern day religion has infiltrated each aspect of living now becoming a commodity.
[tracklist]
- In Nomine Dei Nostri
- זה נגמר (Ze Nigmar)
- Ἐλθὲ Κύριε (Elthe Kyrie)
- Les Litanies De Satan (Les Fleurs Du Mal)
- Ἄπαγε Σατανά (Apage Satana)
- Του Θάνατου (Tou Thanatou)
- For A Voice Like Thunder
- Konx Om Pax
- देवदेवं (Devadevam)
- The Four Horsemen
- Lok’tar Ogar (Bonus track)
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]51:00[/length]
[record_label]Season of Mist[/record_label]
[release_date]February 12th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Varied in it’s delivery Rituals boasts a variety of tracks, drawing from humanities wealth of language the record is a multilingual rite. “In Nomine Dei Nostri” for example, consists of simplistic stop start riff after an imposing cold open of chants yet maintains a sense of fluidity enabling the band to escape a sense of repetition. Moving to the band’s native tongue for “Elthe Kyrie” fierce drums coupled with the urgent delivery of a woman’s soliloquy of desperation creates an atmosphere of unquestioning religious spirituality. Contrasted by the arrival of singer Sakis Tolis‘ rapture inducing vocals with swelling choral sections. The same goes for “Apage Satana” snowballing until it’s apex heightened by the songs slow but sure growth.
Experts at creating a musical refrain the band assimilate riffing to become an association with tension. Making for an unconventional delivery the lyrics in Rituals act more as statements from a speech than lyrical phrasing giving the tone one of stern severity. “Les Litanies De Satan” once again makes a geographical switch to the French tongue, creating an imposing essence of the unstoppable due to the contradictory speed of the blast beats and the deliberate guitar work. Intentional or not , first and seventh track “Komx Omx Pax“contain the same melodic make up giving the impression of musical continuation. Subtle clues give way to understanding each song’s linguistic locale aided with venomous articulation from our front man.”Ze Nigmar” for instance utilises the ancient language of Aramaic, once more creating a sense of suspended animation particularly in the chorus section as our satanic ceremony gets underway.
With it being well into the fourth track until we hear a speck of English the brooding “With A Voice Like Thunder” acts as a metaphorical anvil bringing the sluggish Black Metal tempo up once again. Building with the incorporation of demonic vocals before retreating back to the shadows, though perhaps lingering just a tad longer than needed. At times there are sections where interests wanders slightly, owing to the simplistic nature of the band yet somehow Rituals often forcefully brings the listener back in. Returning to a sense of the flight footed and truly empirical “Tou Thanatou” commands your attention with amplified vocal sections along with slight Celtic overtones conjuring a sense of unification finishing with yet another beautiful solo.
At the epicentre of the band’s creation lies simple song writing, conjuring a primary riff the band center the track around a particular melody. Using gradual increase in volume, addition of instruments to create a sense of atmosphere of ritualistic anticipation. Each track revealing itself until it’s end to uncover a bountiful treasure of melody however for those hoping to find technicality or vast differences here then look another way. Rituals may not be flamboyant or exuberant but instead is an imperturbable, uncompromising statement of finality embellished with the cornucopia of blasphemy that at its nucleus full of fantastic song writing that will stay with you long after Rituals has ended.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why] Taking elements that would sit perfectly in the mid section of Eyes Wide Shut with inspired minimalist song writing adorned with an understanding of religious totality, Rituals is a most devastating of sermons.[/why]
