AN NCS PREMIERE: VATICINAL RITES — “DYSPHORIA” AND “TELEKINETIC BLOOD RITUAL”

 

We have yet another silver lining to the immense black cloud of our pandemic existence, and the silver here is shaped by a band whose name sent us scurrying to the dictionary. What might “vaticinal” mean? Authoritative sources explain that the word means “having the nature of or characterized by prophecy; prophetic”.

And yes, this UK band was formed in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, social upheaval, and isolation. As the band themselves explain, they “play a visceral form of death metal inspired by the classic Floridian bands of the early – mid ’90s, with a special homage also paid to the European underground sound” and with lyrical and visual themes that “explore spirituality, loss, the occult and escapism”.

The debut EP of Vaticinal Rites is a self-titled four-track affair that arrested the attention of three highly-regarded labels — Redefining Darkness Records, Caligari Records, and Dry Cough Records — who will jointly release it on November 12th. Today we present the first two tracks on the EP, and when you hear them it will become obvious why the band’s debut release attracted such support.

 

 

“Dysphoria” sets the stage for what’s to come with ambient and symphonic sounds that are vast and mysterious. And then “Telekinetic Blood Ritual” erupts in an attack of pummeling percussion, abyssal roars, and frantic, feverish riffing that’s jittery, jolting, and squirming. That confluence of sounds, which further juxtaposes deep, earth-quaking bass lines, screaming berserker solos, and shrieking vocals, is exhilarating, creating a feeling that’s both exultant and deranged — a kind of dangerous ecstasy.

The plethora of fast-twitch fretwork and high-speed drum maneuvers are technically impressive, as are the lightning-fast and thoroughly supernatural solos. Headbangers will be fed too, because eventually the crazed, sky-high soloing becomes anchored by a heavy-grooved rhythmic sequence that relentlessly pounds the spine.

 

 

Vocalist/lyricist Marcus tells us about “Telekinetic Blood Ritual“:  “The song is about how religion manipulates the mind, especially the poor and those in desperate need. It brainwashes the weak into giving them their pennies for no reason other than their own financial benefit,”

“As far as the musical inspiration for the song”, guitarist Andreas shares with us, “I was listening to a lot of Morbid Angel and Dead Congregation at the time. As far as leads go, I grew up worshiping Steve Vai and wanted to incorporate that feel, subtle melody and experimentation into it.”

VATICINAL RITES is:
Andreas Yiasoumi – Lead Guitar / Bass
Marcus Broome – Vocals
Jack Kenny – Drums
Jake Burgess – Rhythm Guitar

The cover art for the record was created by Fernando JFL. Redefining Darkness and Caligari will release it in North America on CD and cassette tape. Dry Cough will handle a cassette tape release in Europe. The record is recommended for fans of Morbid Angel, Death, Disincarnate, Protector, Apoplexy, Anesthesy, and Dead Congregation.

VATICINAL RITES:
https://vaticinalrites.bandcamp.com/album/vaticinal-rites

REDEFINING DARKNESS (N. America MAXI CD / CASSETTES):
https://shop.redefiningdarkness.com/
https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/

CALIGARI RECORDS (N. America MAXI CD / CASSETTES):
https://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/

DRY COUGH RECORDS (UK / Europe CASSETTES):
https://drycough.bandcamp.com/album/vaticinal-rites-ep
https://www.drycoughrecords.com/product/vaticinal-rites-vaticinal-rites-cassette-dc51-pre-order