After three years of silence, DEMETED return with force, breaking through the stillness with their latest EP, RITUALS. Based in Warsaw, Poland, this four-piece metalcore band steps into a darker, more aggressive sound, where crushing heaviness meets the shadowy edge of folklore. The six-track EP draws inspiration from the forgotten and mysterious indigenous cultures of Poland, weaving ancient legends into a modern, brutal framework. Musically, Rituals delivers relentless aggression, with shifting tempos and harsh growled vocals. Occasional melodic elements and storytelling passages offer contrast, adding depth without softening the impact.

Most of the tracks explore themes rooted in Polish folklore. 'The Basilisk', for instance, reimagines the legend of the monster said to haunt the catacombs of Warsaw, turning those who crossed its path to stone. The band taps into the duality of the creature: powerful and untouchable, yet isolated and sorrowful. It becomes a reflection on the human condition, how power, while commanding, can also lead to loneliness. Musically, it's a chaotic, high-intensity track built for the pit, channeling raw energy into a frenzy of riffs and rage. The standout title track, 'Rituals 7', opens with a thrashy assault and shouted vocals, later giving way to haunting melodic lines. The band chose the number seven for its deep symbolic roots which are linked to superstition, completeness, and the pursuit of something greater. It's a fitting centerpiece for a release that looks backward into myth while pushing forward into heavier, darker sonic territory.

Closing the EP is 'Inheritance', a dissonant and mid-paced track that opens with a chaotic tangle of instruments before locking into a tight, headbang-worthy rhythm. Growled and shouted vocals join the mix, driving the track forward with unrelenting energy. It's a powerful final statement, raw, layered, and made for the stage. That said, the production occasionally undermines the EP's intensity. At times, the vocals and instruments blur together, lacking the clarity needed to let each element shine. There's a sense the band is still finding their footing sonically, experimenting with texture and identity. But while Rituals may not yet be fully refined, it holds promise. Demeted seem built for the live stage, and if their recorded work hints at anything, it's that their energy in a live setting would be explosive. I'd absolutely catch them at a gig.