KILL RITUAL
“THE OPAQUE AND THE DIVINE”
Album Review by Iron Mathew

8.5/10

Kill Ritual are a heavy metal band from the USA formed in 2010 by former members of Imagika and Eldritch. Playing a powerful blend of traditional heavy metal, the band released their debut album ‘The Serpentine Ritual’ in 2012. Two more albums followed in quick succession, ‘The Eyes Of Medusa’ (2014) and ‘Karma Machine’ (2016), both accompanied by tours across the USA, and also a visit to Europe alongside British metal stalwarts Raven. 2018 saw the release of the bands fourth album ‘All Men Shall Fall’, along with a tour across North America with Iced Earth and Sanctuary, after which the band enlisted a new vocalist. The bands fifth album ‘The Opaque And The Divine’ was released in 2020, which was preceded by three singles ‘Rest In Pain’, ‘King Of Fools’ and ‘Touch The Dark’.

Kill Ritual play a meld of thrash, power and traditional heavy metal, culminating in a catchy and infectious sound that will have you head banging, foot stomping and raising your fists high in the air. The bands fifth album ‘The Opaque And The Divine’ powers into life with (the first single released) ‘Rest In Pain’. Featuring an aggressive vocal performance and scorching riffs, ‘Rest In Pain’ is a blistering opener that screams “look at me” – and look you will, as ‘Rest In Pain’ is a head turning opening salvo. The more traditional sound of heavy metal takes front and centre, as ‘Dead God’ displays a very rough and tough edged NWOBHM sound. The aggression level does subside a little bit, as ‘Dead God’ thunders on by. And by contrast to the opening double, ‘King Of Fools’ is a bombastic, big riffing crunch. More hard rock than heavy metal, ‘King Of Fools’ is so powerful, it is gonna slam you to the floor and then trample all over you.

Picking up the pace, the energy and the hunger, ‘World Gone Mad’ is a higher paced gallop. Adopting the glorious sound of old school heavy metal, the buzzing guitars are a reminder of the iconic NWOBHM sound. The worldwide influence of a style of music founded four decades ago is just incredible, with bands in all four corners of the globe (yea I know, doesn’t make sense – corners, globe – but hey ho, the worlds gone mad don’t ya know), incorporating NWOBHM into their own style. At over six minutes in length, ‘Praise The Dead’ is the longest song on offer, so far! Taking on the mantle of the epic style of heavy metal, ‘Praise The Dead’ is a very heavy, cinematic foot stomp, creating an atmosphere of awe and wonder.

‘Veil Of The Betrayer’ takes over the title of longest song on offer, chiming in at almost eight minutes in length. Faster paced and a lot heavier than the previous (longest) song, ‘Veil Of The Betrayer’ is a cracking “foot on the monitor” romp with a mid song breakdown that is so mellow and serene, it almost acts as one of those relaxation tapes. But no need to worry, you won’t fall asleep, ’cause ‘Veil Of The Betrayer’ builds to a deafening crescendo, ending with a furious flourish. Latest single ‘Touch The Dark’, is a cracking “foot on the monitor” romp to get the blood pumping and adrenaline flowing. Fast and furious, heads will be banging hard to ‘Touch The Dark’, and fans will be singing along to the highly melodic and catchy chorus. The album closes with another six minutes plus epic, this time a more mellow and melodic outing ‘A Child To Die For Again’. Featuring an epic slow burn, a storytelling feel, and a theatrical show stopping edge, ‘A Child To Die For Again’ does have its heavy moments, but its mellow back bone remains constant throughout.

Overall, a heavy hitting and mildly aggressive romp of traditional heavy metal with touches of thrash and NWOBHM, ‘The Opaque And The Divine’ is a very good listen.

TRACKLIST

Rest In Pain
Dead God
King Of Fools
World Gone Mad
Praise The Dead
Veil Of The Betrayer
Touch The Dark
A Child To Die For Again

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