DID I GO WRONG

The Swedish progressive rock band RITUAL was formed at the end of 1992 out of the band Bröd (Swedish word for bread). In 1995 they released their debut CD which was a fresh breath or air into the progressive scene. They have developed a unique style with influences from ethnic music as well as heavy metal and hard rock. This is separating them from the average progressive rock bands. Their debut CD was released on the French Musea label and I consider it being among the best and most important releases of the 90's. They have toured Italy, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, England and Finland. Since the release of their debut CD the members have been busy with other projects. The singer Patrik Lundström was one of three singers in the pop trio BLOND, who won the Swedish outtakes for the Eurovision Song Contest. BLOND did also release a CD and toured a lot while the other members of RITUAL were occupied with their works and studies. The bass player Fredrik Lindqvist was also playing improvised music in a band called ALTAIR. After four years they're finally back with a three track taster from their forthcoming full-length CD "Superb Birth" + a special bonus track. It has been said that their new album should be different, but musically I think it follows the same direction as their debut CD. The production though is slightly different with a live feeling. My favourite tracks are the opening masterpiece "Did I go wrong" and the special bonus track "Breathing", which is a demo from 1997 with a Mellotron Mk VI adding it's flavour to the song. If you're into LED ZEPPELIN I suggest that you listen to the track "Sadly unspoken" which contains a typical Jimmy Page guitar riff. This is a really promising CD EP, and if the whole new album has the same qualities they're in for another milestone in progressive rock. Highly recommended!