LUST RITUAL - FORBIDDEN RITES

Genre: Stoner/Doom
Listen Here: Spotify

The UK has recently brought forth a new slew of Stoner-Doom bands, each providing their own take on a well-worn sound. Margarita Witch Cult, Flamebearer, Froglord, Purple Kong and Goat Major to name a few. Lust Ritual fit nicely into this rising Doom tide but are arguably the most distinctive of the lot. The band has a sound that is both classic and familiar, but also unusual and eldritch. This three track EP illustrates their unique approach perfectly, and it demands your attention.

“…foreboding and rocking in equal measure.”

Bringing an influence from Tom G. Warrior’s early works into a Stoner-Doom sound is not altogether a new idea, but those Celtic Frostian tones help to bring forth a special style that is both foreboding and rocking in equal measure. It allows Lust Ritual to explore those Black Sabbath roots in a way that separates them from so many other bands within this genre. However, while the riffing is significant in giving the band its own distinct flair, it is the vocal performance of their singer, Ieva, that makes the band stand out on a whole separate plane. Again, it’s a vocal style that has you recalling familiar sounds but none of them quite hit the mark. At different moments I could hear the sneer of L7’s Donita Sparks, the psychedelic howls of Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) and a vibe that brings forth the sexy swagger of Glenn Danzig. Such varied suggestions should indicate that Ieva doesn’t quite sound like anyone else, and then she tops it off with gruff vocals and the occasional ‘ough’ that puts the listener straight back into Tom G Warrior territory. It will be interesting to see how these harsher sounds are explored further in future releases.

Ultimately, this is an impressive introduction to a band that promise to be an exciting shot into the arm of a lumbering music style that’s been too happy to rest on its laurels. A strong three song piece in its own right, Forbidden Rites makes Lust Ritual truly a band to look out for. You should be sure to check it out and keep an eye on where they go next.