When people hear the word “ritual,” it’s not hard to imagine chills going down their spines. After all, the mere utterance of the word conjures up images of a very dark nature. Most of these have something to do with a mass of cloaked individuals, with a sinister purpose to fulfill. History has conditioned us to realize that this word was designed to instill fear, except for those who take the time to dive into it, head-first. For LA’s dark, sensual and theatrical experience known as In This Moment, this was taken into full account as they penned their sixth studio album, aptly-titled ‘Ritual.’ However, for this album, they took a different approach. Rather than songs that have a very theatrical, electronic base and a ton of effects… ‘Ritual’ is the band’s first album to feature a stripped-down, more raw and organic sound. Because of this change, the band’s many strengths are put on full display. Nothing is more powerful, though, than the extreme amount of emotion that vocalist Maria Brink has placed in each lyric. ‘Ritual’ is focuses on the spiritual journey that Brink has undergone, creating a message of positivity, within its dark roots.
The sensuality and sexualization of Brink, seen in the band’s previous works has been toned down, in favor of a much more structured, focused approach on talent. Something that is also new for I.T.M is that they wrote these songs with their live show in mind. So, in essence, ‘Ritual’ is a very “what you see is what you get” type of album. The album opener, “Salvation,” features ominous, Latin chants, a distant siren and a drum beat that will quickly get the listener’s heart pounding. By the time that the album’s first single, “Oh Lord,” makes itself heard… you feel as if you’ve been thrown into a dark room, awaiting a ritualistic end. The track itself, sees Brink fighting with herself, asking for forgiveness for the way she’s living.
[metalwani_content_ad]
“Black Wedding” features the legendary Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and seems very, thematically, inspired by Billy Idol’s “White Wedding,” even having a similar chorus of “it’s a nice day for a… black wedding!” The strange, twinkling piano of this track has caused me to turn my head, multiple times. The dynamic between Halford and Brink is almost perfect, though! The main riff in this track, played by lead guitarist, Chris Howorth, really sets the tone for how dark the album can sound.
The decision to put a cover on a main album is one that can’t be taken lightly. For it to fall perfectly in line with the theme of the album, or flow cohesively throughout, it must be done just right. Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” has been covered thousands of times, many ways and (until now) the most unique, breathtaking version of the song has come from Nonpoint. However, to put I.T.M’s cover of the song and Nonpoint’s in the same league, would be a discredit to their individual talents. Brink takes charge of Collins’ gripping tale with the utmost care, precision and attention to detail. The song has a much darker, stripped down feel, until those legendary pounding drums come in at “no stranger to you and me”. To add to the climax of the track, they decided to throw in some electronic effects that make it hit you that much harder. To say that they took this song and truly made it “theirs”, would be an understatement. Even if you don’t like I.T.M, this cover is a must-listen. It makes me wonder how their cover of “Creep” (which appears on the Japanese version of the album) has turned out.
The best thing about this album, despite its darker nature, is that it never tries too hard. ‘Ritual’ is In This Moment at their biggest, best and most raw. Individuals who have come across the band have, for years, complained that Brink over-sexualizes herself, creating a bad role model for young women. Starting with this album, perhaps the change they’ve wanted to see is coming. For this writer, I believe that there is nothing wrong with being proud of your body but, as we’ve seen, the same shtick can get old after awhile. As a huge fan of In This Moment, though, this is a very welcome change and sees a far different side of Brink’s songwriting, from a lyrical and thematic aspect. ‘Ritual’ is a can’t-miss album for fans of In This Moment, at any level, from beginner to seasoned veteran. You’d be a fool not to pick it up when it releases, July 21st, on Atlantic Records.