Rituals ‘Show Me Signs’ Review

Rituals are a 4-piece metal-core band that hail from Newcastle who are set to release their new EP, ‘Show Me Signs’, on September 2nd on the back of supporting Skindred & Osiah as well as an upcoming appearance at Rise Fest.

Rituals have a real throwback sound which is in no means a bad thing, it is very reminiscent of bands such as Architects and Bullet for My Valentine with the heavy hitting riffs and power vocals coupled brilliantly with a more melodic sound in parts. The self-titled and opening track, ‘Show Me the Signs’, was the highlight of this record with an extremely catchy chorus and a tried and tested formula in terms of the structure of the song. As much as the Lewis MacRae's vocals and Ewan Lee on guitar take the front stage, Dom James did a stellar job with tone being perfect to cut through and allow the guitars to do their thing and along with Matt Dix, the rhythm really carried the track along. I can see this track getting the most radio time and being a big hitter for the 4-piece.

Going into track 2, ‘Oceans Subside’ the EP starts to get to that heavier sound with the harsher vocals being more prominent here. It opens with a heavy but catchy riff before a break then a full-on breakdown, a common theme throughout this track. I found myself instinctively nodding along and feeling this is going to be a song which will be a LOT of fun to see live. The verse continues with the guitars just hanging in the background creating this very ominous sound where you are expecting something big is about to happen, you are then thrust into yet another catchy chorus. The breakdown at around the 2:30 mark is a real stand out for this song. The lead guitar alongside MacRae’s screaming combine to make a sound that sweeps you up.

The final track, ‘In Devastation’ wastes no time in throwing you into the deep end with just about a second before it really kicks off. Matt Fox’s use of the double bass here is a nice compliment to the fast guitar & bass riffs that are played throughout the verse. Overlapping heavy and more melodic vocals has been used in the earlier track however it is a lot clearer during In Devastations playthrough and the two styles combine to create a sound which really works. I am also at risk of saying this for the 3rd time, but it is yet again another memorable chorus, Rituals clearly have a talent for this, and I found myself after listening to this EP to review with choruses in particular being stuck in my head leading to me going back for yet another playthrough.

Overall, I think Rituals have nailed a coherent and familiar sound with this EP and it will serve as a benchmark for later releases. They are a band I will be keeping my eye on, and they should be for you too.