What makes Ritual. by Master's Hammer notable?

'Ritual' is notable for its innovative blend of black metal with elements of classical music and Czech folklore, influencing both local and international metal scenes. The album has received positive critical acclaim, often cited in discussions about essential black metal records from the early '90s. Released in 1991, 'Ritual' marked Master's Hammer's third album and their first to be released through a major label, a significant step in their career. At this point, they were already established as pioneers of the Czech black metal scene, building on the success of their previous albums with a more refined and ambitious sound.