Review RITUAL “Songs for the Haunted”

Ritual is a German band. Founded in 2005, they released three albums and a few singles before disbanding in 2012. Although the band members focused on different projects, their friendship remained. As with some other bands, live shows sparked renewed excitement, and this was the case with Ritual as well. Ten years after disbanding, the band played three reunion shows, inspiring them to record a 7″ and start a creative flow that led to a full-length album.

Thirteen years after parting ways, the band is launching “Songs for the Haunted,” an album with thirteen new songs that transcend hardcore. Ritual created an album that combines various influences, the most notable of which is “Silver Lining.” The latter is a catchy song with a great melody and a dark wave vibe.

However, the album starts off much heavier than “Silver Lining.” “Head to Your Fist” is a massive mosh-pit starter that would work perfectly during live shows in beer-soaked clubs. “There’s Only Us” is another straight-to-the-point song with wrecking-ball power, followed by the already mentioned “Silver Lining,” which adds a new twist to the album.

“Songs for the Haunted” is a furious album that includes songs like “Perfect Picture.” It is a rather personal song in which frontman Julian Laur de Manos confronts himself with his own family background.

“Sleeping Ghosts” has more of a post-hardcore sound. With calmer parts and massive sound eruptions, the song shows parallels with bands like Deftones and Quicksand. Though the album showcases a variety of influences, its hardcore roots act as a unifying glue. Nothing on this album feels forced. We get to listen to the result of creative flow and a musical vision.

“Violent Minds” has a rebellious punk spirit, while the title track is a more alternative rock-based interlude. “Bones in the Gears” has some Britpop vibes, and the most outstanding song on the album is probably “Into the Light.” Depeche Mode’s synth sound influenced this calmer, atmospheric song, which sounds great.

The pulsating start of “Final Hour” signals the end of the album, closing out with a bang. Rough and equipped with hoarse vocals, it is a powerful and raging way to wrap up the album.

“Songs for the Haunted” is a great comeback album from a band that started 20 years ago as a hardcore outfit and evolved into a musically mature and versatile band that never denied its roots. Check out “Songs for the Haunted.” It’s worth it.