What makes Ritual by Soulfly notable?

Upon its release, 'Ritual' debuted at number 23 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant return for the band within the modern metal landscape. Critics noted the album's successful integration of various styles and praised its cohesive energy, solidifying Soulfly's relevance in contemporary metal music. Released in January 2018, 'Ritual' is Soulfly's fourth studio album since their 2013 release, 'Savages'. At this point, the band was establishing a mature sound that melded heavy riffs with world music influences, showcasing frontman Max Cavalera's distinctive approach to songwriting and production.

Ritual works well if you're into steady mid-tempo intensity, primal grooves for energizing sessions and focused listening with relentless drive.

How many songs are on Ritual?

Ritual has 10 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Ritual

Soulfly · 2018

43 min · 10 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless fusion of thrash and groove metal, laced with tribal rhythms and powerful vocals that summon primal energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ritual — The title track opens the album with a powerful blend of haunting melodies and aggressive instrumentation, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Dead Behind the Eyes — This track features a driving rhythm and introspective lyrics that reflect personal struggles, showcasing Cavalera's ability to combine heaviness with emotional depth.
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Evil Empowered — With its infectious groove and dynamic shifts, this song exemplifies the band's signature sound while also delivering a compelling narrative about overcoming inner demons.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Ritual showcases strong songwriting and production, blending thrash with world influences while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features tribal drumming and heavy guitar riffs, setting a relentless pace that continues through the first half.
Vocals alternate between aggressive shouts and melodic lines, creating dynamic contrasts within the tracks.
Several songs incorporate tempo changes, such as 'Under Rapture', which shifts from fast-paced sections to slower, groove-oriented passages.
The final track, 'Soulfly XI', serves as an atmospheric closer, featuring a gradual build-up that culminates in a powerful finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo intensity
primal grooves for energizing sessions
focused listening with relentless drive
cathartic release through aggression

Maybe skip if you

seekers of gentle melodies
prefer instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and maturity in sound within their later discography.
Career context: Released in January 2018, 'Ritual' is Soulfly's fourth studio album since their 2013 release, 'Savages'. At this point, the band was establishing a mature sound that melded heavy riffs with world music influences, showcasing frontman Max Cavalera's distinctive approach to songwriting and production.
Stylistic neighbors: Sepultura· Machine Head· Fear Factory