RITUAL STEEL "Blitz Invasion" LP (white vinyl) Hellion
This review comes a little late, but this lp deserved some lines. One of
the first things I noticed in the first listenings is that the musicianship
improved. As consequences, the band gained more effectiveness and power in
their epic metal. In addition they tend to have their full identity which
is a plus to be distinctive from other bands. This album is epic, heavy,
powerful, melodic. It is the four most important ingredients for that kind
of metal. But when they are played with the fire of passion (it's the case
here), the result is a killer album. There is a track called "La Division
De Fer", and Sascha Maurer sings it entirely in french language. He has a
strong accent, but he did a good job to be understandable. You will find
also a bonustrack with the live version of "Liquid Steel" (studio version
was the b-side of their 2001 7'' single). This record is untrendy and an
offer for those which still have the flame burning for Metal.
Patrick Lefevre
RITUAL STEEL "A Hell Of A Knight" LP+7'' Metal Supremacy
If the "Orchid Queen" 7'' has left the feeling of a new german band inspired
by SACRED STEEL, there is a considerable evolution with this album. There
are, here and there, classic influences as old IRON MAIDEN, but also ones
from eighties cult bands like OMEN, MANILLA ROAD or RIPPER... But this band
has begun to forge its own identity. "A Hell Of A Knight" is an adequate intro
to start the album, welcome to the battle and here we are going to... "Hellbrigade"
is a great anthem, powerful and raging like a storm. The verses of "Where
Shall I Sleep" sounds a little hardcore with insane vocals but it works good
for that morbid song. "Armageddon Symphony" is the second anthem of the lp,
a speed metal devastation with a bonecrushing fury. "Commandment Of The Solar
Maiden" is an epic heavy song with an entering-the-mind melody. "Master Rage"
is an attack straight-in-the-face and it rages on, leaving enemies killed
by the blade. "No Escape" has an effective mid-tempo rythm, and it crosses
galloping metal with the horror metal ala RIPPER. "T.W.O.N." is a fast thunder,
dedicated to the metal spirit. Eighties metal won't go in a crypt and the
secret of steel will continue to live with a band like RITUAL STEEL. The
lp ends with "Ritual Steel" which is epic, powerful and memorable, it has
all the magic of a classic song. Good news for you (vinyl maniac), there
is a bonus 7'' giving you two more songs (not on the cd). "Metal Supremacy"
is total and explosive speed metal, a pure dynamite for the glory of supreme
metal. "Necropolis" is a cover of a wonderful MANILLA ROAD song, and the
job is well done by the german warriors. This album is definitely an highlight
of 2003, it's real metal the way it must be played. Be part of the RITUAL
or die by the STEEL !
Patrick Lefevre
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