Title: Upon the Threshold of Hell Artist: Ritual Killer Label: Bloated Goat Release Date: 6/21/05 Rating: 2 Skulls
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Reviewed by Behemoth (2/12/06):
Now to a great subject: Ritual Killing, that's right everyone's favorite voyeur pastime. Throw in a little demonic possession with the scourge of satanic infinity and thus we've arrived with the witch at the sabbatical fire. Everyone all cozy now? Actually, we're talking about the lyrical line behind Ritual's Upon the Threshold of Hell, a brutal skull crusher which is simply relentless with little help or polish on the production side.

Historically speaking, the band evolved from its inception in 1999, as inspired musicians dabbled with production tracks and overdubs. It took a while for the synergy to build but in 2004 the band harnessed its energy through intense rehearsal regimes which yielded this blasphemous opus. This release was recorded in New Orleans (wonder if the studio got whacked?). Basically, there's no gimmicks here, no keyboards, no operatic acrobats, or falsettos allowed. It's all up in your face black metal; early Europe vintage, Dimmu is not afoot, closer to an early unpolished Sodom. In reality what we have here is pure raw ugliness, the bile flows murkily out of the stacks. For an ample dose of the hammer, hatred and madness try "Invoking the Twilight Void" or better yet "Axis to Mutiny".

The band's message of mayhem, murder, and unholy terror are duly noted, but next time around, spend a little more on the production budget. In the meantime this is a perfect spooky disc to throw in for a scary Halloween.

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