Label info: "One of the most legendary bands from the 90s Swedish progressive scene is finally back with a new album, 17 years since the last full-length. Ritual has often been a band with a concept, and their music has often been inspired by Tove Jansson's novels about the Moomins. On their return, we're invited into the strange story of the mysterious Mr. Bogd. And this fifth studio album is only part 1 of the story! Since its formation in 1993, Ritual quickly established a distinct progressive style of their own, influenced by progressive and hard rock of the 70s, as well as contemporary bands. They've always been song-based, melodic and intense, with a great stylistic variation and plenty of folk music influences seeping in. The latter feature is not least due to the band's frequent use of acoustic instruments like bouzouki, mandola, whistles and the Swedish nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle). On the epic The Story Of Mr. Bogd Part 1, Ritual is definitely continuing on this musical journey, and the new songs will hit old fans right in the heart." My first musical encounter with Ritual was during the Xymphonia Indoors festival in 1996, presenting their eponymous debut album from 1995). I remember vividly that the band made a lot of fans during their inspired gig, including me, and that we had long conversations with the very nice band members afterwards. During the years I lost touch with the band so I was very pleasantly surprised to hear about this legendary Swedish formation, 17 years after their least effort entitled The Hemulic Voluntary Band. During my first listening session I became more and more pleasantly surprised by this new Ritual album, it sounds fresh, varied and dynamic, with inspired vocals (by Patrik Lundström, known from Kaipa) and wonderfully coloured with a range of folk instruments. A Hasty Departure: The intro features classical orchestrations (a variety of strings), like chamber music, then swinging melodic rock with pleasant vocals (solo and duo) and fiery guitar, including wah-wah. Halfway the music turns into a mellow folky climate, embellished with dreamy vocals, acoustic guitar, tin-whistle and soaring organ, wonderful. Then a bombastic eruption with again fiery wah-wah drenched guitar, and finally a short churchy organ sound. What a promising start! The Inn Of The Haunted Owl: Now the acclaimed folky side of Ritual with acoustic guitar and romantic vocals, gradually turning into a slow rhythm with powerful vocals, propulsive drum beats, hypnotizing synthesizer flights. Halfway emotional vocals like Peter Gabriel on The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. In the end tender acoustic guitar and vocals. A very dynamic and catchy song. Dreams In A Brougham: The twanging acoustic guitar and piano and distinctive tin-whistle are the very fine musical translation of the title. Chichikov Bogd: First folky with inspired vocals and acoustic guitar, then a mid-tempo beat with rock guitar and powerful vocals, topped with vocal harmonies. Halfway an interlude with strong interplay, very dynamic. Mr. Tilly And His Gang: In this track Ritual starts with a King Crimson-like atmosphere, ominous and dark, then a slow and catchy beat with cynical vocals. What a strong contrast with the previous tracks. Through A Rural Landscape: More interesting musical ideas, now with sparkling piano runs, followed by a slow and hypnotizing rhythm featuring a spacy guitar sound and jazzy piano, what a variety. The Feline Companion: This is the most progressive composition in the Old School tradition. It starts and ends with dreamy piano and vocals, in between lots of changing atmospheres, topped with intense Mellotron violins and strong vocals, how dynamic and compelling. Read All About It!: Now a swinging mid-tempo with exciting Robert Fripp kind of rock guitar and propulsive drum beats, strong and varied vocals, powerful vocal harmonies and subtle vibraphone. In the final part heavy guitar riffs and bombastic choir and vocals, Gentle Giant comes my mind. Forgotten Qualities: A dreamy atmosphere with tender acoustic guitar and mandola, and romantic vocals, halfway soaring Mellotron violins join. In the second part the music shifts to more lush with emotional vocals, and finally to again dreamy, topped with those unsurpassed Mellotron violins, and acoustic guitar, what a beautiful ballad. The Three Heads Of The Well: The final song emphasizes the huge variety on this new CD featuring an exciting Arabian flavour (like my beloved Rock Andaluz) with a hypnotizing and catchy beat, powerful vocals, vocal harmonies and captivating use of the sultry sounding Swedish nyckelharpa that strongly reminds me of the Arabian 'oud', wow! What an inspired, fresh, varied and tastefully arranged new Ritual album, highly recommended! **** Erik Neuteboom (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
