Rituals – Show Me The Signs (EP)
Release Date: 2nd September 2022
Label: Self Released
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Genre: Metalcore/Contemporary
FFO: Wage War, Parkway Drive, GraveBound.
Review By: Jason James
Newcastle’s Rituals return with another EP, Show Me The Signs. They continue in their tradition of dropping timely Eps and singles, as well as keeping up an impressive touring schedule, helping to make sure that they keep up a presence in the consciousness of metalcore fans. Show Me The Signs is a 3-track EP in the same vein.
Anyone who hears Rituals can also hear elements of any number of similar bands in a stuffed subgenre. Straight metalcore. No chaser. They are following in the footsteps of a lot of bands over very well-trodden ground. The vocal switching easily between screaming and clean, the feelings being expressed, the pacing and fierceness of the music behind; there is nothing here that hasn’t been touched on by other bands in part.
All of this sounds like a slight against them. But this is not the case. The quartet attack each track with aplomb, and it is easy to see that they love what they do and are sure they have something to offer. It just goes to show that there is always room for an exciting, tight band with a great sound. They are a welcome addition and their bravery to break into such a jam-packed area of metal, shows they have the confidence to carve their place.
I had a lot of fun with these 3 songs. I actually wish the EP had a couple more songs on it because, while you can hear multiple influences come through in their sound, they do have something that is undeniably Rituals, and what they do have is compelling. Their output is maturing with each release, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds.
(3 / 5)
