EP REVIEW: Awake – Rituals

Not to be confused with the Australian death metal band of the same name, Newcastle’s RITUALS are another addition to the UK’s burgeoning metalcore market. They’ve released a few singles since forming in 2018, but this EP is their first major recording. It’s decent too, they’re still in their formative years but there’s a confidence and skill here that should win them a lot of new friends. As the first chapter in the story of a new band, it’s a good one.

Frontloading the EP with the heaviest song was a wise move; the opening title track is a pummelling introduction. RITUALS don’t make any attempt to ease the audience in, Awake starts with the audio equivalent of a dropkick to the head. Taking their cues from classic turn-of-the-millennium metalcore, there’s some big chunky riffs and a sweetly melodic chorus to enjoy.

Turn Away From The Sun follows and there’s a slight shift in gears for this one. It’s more accessible, with greater emphasis on clean vocals and while the aggression is still there, it’s been dialled back in exchange for catchy hooks. There’s a real BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE vibe at work here and it continues into Blinding To Me. This track has the EP’s heaviest moment with a mid-song mosh call par excellence, but it’s juxtaposed with an increasing focus on their melodic side.

Carved Out then rounds things off impressively. There’s some absolutely raging riffs and propulsive drum work keeping the pace high, and the musicianship is consistently good throughout. It’s let down slightly by the chorus, which isn’t quite as strong as it needs to be, but isn’t weak enough to ruin the whole thing and it hits way more than it misses. The EP closes on a high and like all good appetisers, leaves you wanting more.

If there’s a criticism to be levelled at them, it’s that RITUALS sound a lot like their heroes and don’t do enough to stand out from the crowded metalcore pack yet, however this must be viewed in context. Awake is best considered as the sound of a new band flexing their muscles, seeing what works and laying a foundation to build upon. And they’ve got the technical ability and the song-writing skills to develop into another blinding UK band. Awake won’t change the world, but it’s enough to make us want a full album and see what they can do once they’ve got another year’s experience under their collective belts.

Rating: 7/10

Awake is set for release on September 3rd via self-release.

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