DARK RITUAL
Reviewed by Rose Grech
Dark Ritual’s “Frayed” is a
CD/CD-ROM containing three new tracks and a video for "Frayed." This is a follow up from their demo released in 2000.
"Frayed" is also the title of the first song, which is the fastest and hardest track. The sequence
between the guitar and drums create a great hard pounding effect. The vocals are clear coherent
screams that add realism to the song.
The second track, "Princess," has a slower start with numerous guitar build-ups. It drastically
quickens with the drumbeats as the dark soothing vocal enters. Throughout the song the tempo
varies from heart pounding pulses to a more relaxed/mellow pace leaving you at the end out of
breath.
The last song, "My Skin Unbroken," has some similar elements to
"Princess." Its pace and tempo has an equal variation so it sounds more balanced than
"Princess." It also does not get as fast and heavy.
Overall, Dark Ritual seem to have their own style that is heavy with some melody. However, their
sound does not quite fit their name - which is a good thing. I expected them to be more brutal with a
few keyboard/synthesizer samples to add the typical cheesy elements creating an eerie sound
effect. I was pleasantly surprised and glad I was wrong.
You can check this Chicago based band out for yourself at http://www.darkritual.com.
Reviewed by Alicia Downs
Dark Ritual is a Chicago, Illinois-based metal band; no other sub-labels
are necessary - Dark Ritual is just pure metal. They divulge into an unadulterated form of
raw metal combining a flair for darkness with angst-ridden lyrics. Their five-song demo offers four of their original works and a
rendition of Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca."(!)
While in and of itself the demo does not contain anything all that substantial,
(the vocals and instrumentals are only slightly better than average), the torment and emotion delivered through the
throbbing guitars and agonizing lyrics are enough to maintain your attention.
The opening track, "Artemis," was not the best of the bunch with vocals that
came across weaker than the rest, but it did offer ample musical incorporations. "Artemis" was followed by "Flesh" and
then "Untitled," two tracks that legitimized the band's talents further and picked up on vocal
offerings.
The most significant track was "Parts." With its use of spoken word lyrics the aura was similar to that of Tool, although Dark Ritual was impressive in maintaining their own identity despite the resemblance.
And back to that interpretation of "Livin' La Vida Loca." I was not sure whether to laugh or cry, but it was disturbing to say the least. And although I should probably be beaten profusely in at least three third world countries for the following statement, I can wholeheartedly say that Dark Ritual's cover made me appreciate the original. I now completely understand where the statement "don't go there" became legitimized.
But, demented renditions aside, this demo compilation was worthwhile. Although I was not
completely struck, there was nothing there that made me want to hold my ears while
shrieking in pain, and I can appreciate that and thank Dark Ritual for their talented efforts.
But don't take my word for it, check them out for yourself. More information can be found
on their web site which is conveniently located at: http://www.darkritual.com.
Dark Ritual are Dale Tippett (lead vocal and guitars), Justin Smith (back up vocals and bass) and
Agustin Jaramillo (drums).
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2002 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 04 Mar 2024 13:27:28 -0500
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