The French and Americans have generally gotten along well ever since the War of Independence in 1776. This was certainly the case with Destruction Ritual, who four years ago unleashed their rather raw debut tape, introducing us to their ‘90s-inspired brand of Black Metal. Nothing groundbreaking at the time, but distinct enough to make their name worth remembering.
Now, four years later, Arafel, TerrorReign, and MkM return — this time joined by Blastum(Crimson Moon, Merrimack) behind the drum kit — to present us with their new album, Providence.
With Aosoth now officially banished to the eternal hunting grounds and little new expected from Antaeus, MkM has been able to pour his full creative energy into this record. The influences of his previous bands are undeniably present — albeit more subtly than expected — yet they occasionally resurface in unmistakable ways.
The title and cover art, both inspired by the life and work of H.P. Lovecraft, set the mood immediately. From the first listen, it’s clear that Blastum once again proves his worth: the drums are pushed to the forefront of the mix, commanding a prominent and almost leading role. With dynamic buildups, tempo shifts, and well-crafted solos, the guitars manage to keep things engaging throughout. While some transitions may take a moment to settle in, the variation within the tracks ensures the album never slips into monotony.
All in all, Destruction Ritual deliver an intense and layered piece of work — one that pays tribute to their past while boldly exploring new directions, without sacrificing any of their darkness or intensity.
It’s well worth giving this French-American trio a listen; fans of the members’ earlier projects will certainly find something to appreciate here.
82/100
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