Although Death Metal was born in the 80s, the main model used by many acts is that one with roots in the Second Wave of the genre of the 90s. Obviously, that works as “Seven Churches”, “Scream Bloody Gore”, “Morbid Tales” and some others are the roots of the genre, but the models used on the 90s and their evolutions are usual still today. And on “Ritual of Ash”, of the Australian quartet ASHEN, such influences are clearly heard. Shannon Over (the band’s guitarist) worked on the recordings and Marko Tervonen (yes, the guitarist of THE CROWN) did the mixing and mastering. The result is a wise choice for brutal - yet defined - instrumental tunes, using a classic sound outfit for Death Metal (brutal, distorted and aggressive), but in a way that the quartet’s music is understandable without problems.

The graphic work of Remedy Art (artwork) and ModBlackMoon Design (logo) really fits on what the band is expressing on its songs. The musical formula of the band is a simple - but updated - form of traditional Death Metal of the 90s, in a combination of influences of the schools of the genre from USA, Sweden and UK alike, some Hardcore influences (as clearly heard on “Gravemind”), but with a personal insight. It’s brutal and aggressive, but with a good technical insight (growls and screams with good contrasts, sharp guitar riffs, and solid and technical work on bass guitar and drums, with slow tempos contrasting with fast blast beats and double bass), with an amazing energy and extreme hooks being spread to every side. Yes, it’s really a very good work.

The songs are all very good, showing a band that is ready to take higher flights, and that is a ‘must-known’ act for those addicted on classic Death Metal, as depicted clearly on “Ritual”, “Deadsight”, “Harbinger”, “Threshold”, “Blood”, “Cursed Rebirth”, “Embrace Extinction”, “Gravemind”, “Buried in Ice” and “Inhuman”. All the songs are in the same level of quality, then it’s not necessary to point to ‘better songs’ on the album. Just spin it and enjoy a lesson on Death Metal!

One must bet that ASHEN’s tendency is to grow in the extreme Metal scene. Just taste “Ritual of Ash” to be sure that this idea isn’t just words, but a reality.