Ritual (In This Moment album)
In This Moment · 2017
49 min · 12 tracks · alternative metal
A darkly atmospheric blend of industrial metal and gothic elements infused with haunting melodies and powerful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Oh Lord — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of vulnerability and despair, showcasing a more melodic side of the band amidst heavy instrumentation.
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Black Wedding — Featuring a collaboration with Rob Halford of Judas Priest, this track combines powerful lyrics with a blend of theatricality and aggression, making it emblematic of the album's themes.
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Joan of Arc — This song pays tribute to the historical figure while employing metaphorical lyrics that resonate with themes of strength and defiance, underlining the album's focus on empowerment.
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River of Fire — With its driving rhythm and intense lyrics about transformation and resilience, this track encapsulates the album's dark yet uplifting energy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Ritual showcases strong production and varied vocal styles, but its thematic depth may not resonate equally with all listeners.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that builds tension before transitioning into heavier riffs in the second track.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, alternating between clean and harsh vocals to create dynamic contrasts.
- The last three tracks incorporate slower tempos and more melodic elements, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 exploration
- haunting atmosphere for reflection
- empowering anthems for introspection
- cathartic release through vocals
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced experiences
- seek lighthearted, upbeat vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Ritual showcases thematic depth and production quality, marking a high point in their career.
- Career context
- Released on July 21, 2017, 'Ritual' is In This Moment's sixth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'Black Widow' from 2014. At this point in their career, the band solidified their identity within the alternative metal scene while continuing to explore themes of empowerment and femininity in their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Motionless in White· Halestorm· Butcher Babies
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Salvation 2:21
- 2 Oh Lord 4:07
- 3 Black Wedding 4:07
- 4 In the Air Tonight 4:57
- 5 Joan of Arc 3:37
- 6 River of Fire 3:59
- 7 Witching Hour 4:09
- 8 Twin Flames 5:00
- 9 Half God Half Devil 4:11
- 10 No Me Importa 4:17
- 11 Roots 4:09
- 12 Lay Your Gun Down 4:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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