Ritual (Soulfly album) explained

Ritual
Type:studio
Artist:Soulfly
Cover:Soulfly-Ritual.jpg
Recorded:January–June 2018
Studio:Hybrid Studios, (Santa Ana, California)
Length:43:13
Label:Nuclear Blast[1]
Producer:Josh Wilbur
Prev Title:Archangel
Prev Year:2015
Next Title:Totem
Next Year:2022

Ritual is the eleventh album by American heavy metal band Soulfly, released on October 19, 2018, through Nuclear Blast.[1] It is the third Soulfly album with Max Cavalera's son Zyon behind the drum kit, and the last album to feature lead guitarist Marc Rizzo, and features musical guests Randy Blythe of Lamb of God, Ross Dolan of Immolation, and Mark Damon of The Pretty Reckless.[2] Four singles were released from the album—"Evil Empowered", title track "Ritual", "Dead Behind the Eyes", and "Under Rapture".

The album was produced by Josh Wilbur. Max Cavalera published the statement and said "For this one, we really tried to retain the groove of early Soulfly as well as my love for the heavy, fast stuff I'm into: like death and black metal and some hardcore. Working with Josh Wilbur for Soulfly this time around has been amazing. He's a huge fan and added a lot to the record. I would fight for the fast songs and he would always push me to add more groove. I think in the end we created a really cool mix of songs that covers a lot of ground in my career."[2]

Ritual sold 3,600 copies in its first week of release in the USand is the first Soulfly album to not debut on the Billboard 200. It is their first album since 2010's Omen to have its installment of their self-titled song series on the standard edition.

Reception

Ritual received generally favorable reviews by critics, with the aggregate score of 75% on Metacritic. Prior to release, Wall of Sound writer Jim Birkin rated the album 9/10, stating: "There is undoubtedly some old school Cavalera creeping into his music these days and that can only be a good thing. May all future Soulfly albums contain Josh Wilbur in its production."[3] This album was awarded a 2018 Metal Storm Award for Best Thrash Metal Album.[4]

Personnel

Soulfly
Additional musicians
Production
Artwork

Notes and References

  1. http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/max-cavalera-on-next-soulfly-record-its-a-tribal-thrash-album-its-never-been-done-quite-like-that/ MAX CAVALERA On Next SOULFLY Record: 'It's A Tribal Thrash Album. It's Never Been Done Quite Like That
  2. http://exclaim.ca/music/article/soulfly_return_with_new_album_ritual-hear_the_new_track_evil_empowered_now Soulfly Return with New Album 'Ritual'
  3. News: Soulfly – Ritual (Album Review). October 15, 2018. Wall Of Sound. October 23, 2018.
  4. Web site: Metal Storm Awards 2018 . Metal Storm . January 28, 2022.