The boys in Ashen set out with big ambitions on Ritual of Ash, aiming to carve their place in the death metal scene. While they certainly show promise, the album doesn't quite hit the mark as powerfully as they probably intended. The guitar riffs are solid and, at times, stand out as genuinely interesting, but they don’t always reach the level of intensity or complexity one might expect from a band trying to make a splash in death metal.
Where the album really shines is in the drums. The double bass, blast beats, and use of the china cymbal are some of the most engaging elements, adding punch and intensity to the tracks. Unfortunately, the bass is a bit of a mixed bag—it’s good when it’s audible, but there are moments when it gets buried in the mix, which is a missed opportunity to really enhance the overall sound.
The vocals are another highlight, delivering the harsh and brutal screams that death metal fans expect. However, there’s one notable moment where the vocals stumble a bit, disrupting the otherwise fierce delivery. The mixing throughout the album is generally solid, though there are instances where the instruments feel somewhat muddled, making it hard to fully appreciate the technical skills at play.
Overall, Ritual of Ash is an okay death metal album that falters at times, especially with some awkward genre shifts that don’t always fit cohesively into the overall sound. Despite these flaws, it’s clear the band has the potential to do better, and hopefully, their next effort will see them refine their approach and truly tap into the full power of the genre.
RATING: 4.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Deadsight
Cursed Rebirth
Embrace Extinction