UK Heavy Psych Trio RITUAL KING shares two new videos off "The Futureworks Sessions" live album; out April 4th on Ripple Music

Manchester's heavy psych torchbearers RITUAL KING present two new live videos taken from their upcoming "The Futureworks Sessions" live album, to be issued out on April 4th in collaboration with Ripple Music.

About "Worlds Divide", the band says: "This one’s got some serious weight to it. The riffs are thick and the drums are pounding from the off and the whole thing feels like a storm rolling in. There's a mostly improvised solo in the middle here that was fueled by approximately three hours of sleep and an ill-advised amount of coffee, so if it sounds a little unhinged—that’s why."

On "No Compromise", they add: "True to its name, this slightly jazzy number doesn't let up from the first hit to the last note. Keep an ear out for the drum fills in the middle section—punchy yet just loose enough to keep us on our toes."

Watch Ritual King perform "Worlds Divide" and "No Compromise" (live at Futureworks)

This electrifying new collection entitled "The Futureworks Sessions" captures the raw energy and dynamic sound that have made the Manchester-based trio renowned within the modern stoner rock scene. Recorded at Futureworks Studios in Manchester, the album showcases a selection of standout tracks from their first two full-length albums, reimagined and brought to life in a live studio setting. "The Futureworks Sessions" is a celebration of Ritual King’s musical journey and marks five years since the release of their self-titled debut album. Blending their signature blend of heavy riffs, soulful melodies, and intricate grooves. The intimate yet powerful recording setting of Futureworks Studios adds an organic depth and authenticity, transporting listeners straight into the room with the band.

With Ripple Music’s unwavering commitment to showcasing the finest in heavy and progressive rock, this release is a testament to Ritual King’s relentless passion and artistry. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band, "The Futureworks Sessions" offers an unmissable opportunity to experience the magic of Ritual King at their most inspired.

RITUAL KING "The Futureworks Sessions" Out April 4th, 2025 on Ripple Music (digital only)

TRACKLIST:

1. Flow State
2. Worlds Divide
3. No Compromise
4. Landmass
5. Headspace
6. The Infinite Mirror
7. Valleys

Ritual King emerged from Manchester’s underground metal scene in 2016, driven by a shared passion for crafting a sound that defied easy categorisation. Drawing from classic hard rock, progressive psych, folk, and the gritty underpinnings of stoner rock, they forged a style that is both immersive and electrifying—equal parts meditative and mosh-worthy.

Renowned for their dynamic live performances, Ritual King has been relentlessly touring the UK and Europe since 2017, sharing stages with bands like Weedpecker, Atomic Bitchwax, Nebula, and Colour Haze. Their high-energy shows and electrifying musicianship have earned them a reputation as a must-see live act, with standout performances at festivals such as Freak Valley Festival in Germany.

2024 saw them expand their touring footprint even further, hitting the road with 1000Mods across the UK in April, supporting The Obsessed on another UK run in August, and embarking on a European tour with Scorpion Child in October. Their latest album, The Infinite Mirror, released in November 2023, marks a bold new chapter in their sonic evolution. Blending intricate songwriting with expansive atmospheres and raw intensity, the record showcases Ritual King at their most dynamic and forward-thinking yet.

From the raw and visceral Earthrise EP (2018) to the riff-heavy explorations of their 2020 self-titled debut, and now the immersive landscapes of The Infinite Mirror, Ritual King continues to push their sound in new directions. Each release is an invitation into their world—one where musical conventions are challenged, and listeners are encouraged to lose themselves in the vastness of their sonic vision.

RITUAL KING links

Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Bandcamp ⎪ Instagram ⎪ Spotify

RIPPLE MUSIC links

Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Bandcamp ⎪ Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.

Ritual King - The Infinite Mirror (Album Review)

Release Date: November 17th 2023. Record Label: Ripple Music. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Infinite Mirror  - Tracklisting

1.Flow State

2.Worlds Divide

3.Landmass

4.Tethered

5.The Infinite Mirror

Members:

Jordan Leppitt - Lead Vocals & Guitar

Dan Godwin - Bass 

Gareth Hodges - Drums & Backing Vocals

Review

Cosmic/Psych/Stoner Rockers Ritual King return with their new album The Infinite Mirror and it’s a more Spaced Out affair with the band drawing upon a heavier Blues Rock sound which reminds me of GEEZER in places. This album is quite a musical adventure with Ritual King playing huge levels of Classic Hard Rock where the band throw in some epic Progressive sounding jams along with the never-ending style of thrilling guitar solos. 

The record has an eerie Post-Doom or Post-Stoner flow that fans of ELDER and King Buffalo will appreciate but with perhaps a more 70’s Prog Rock feel. Ritual King still focus on playing that Heavy Psychedeqlic dominant Stoner sound where slight flashes of Sludge Rock attitude forms within the stunning opening track Flow State.

Flow State sees Ritual King play a slightly more aggressive sound compared to their celebrated 2020 self-titled debut album. The vocals from Jordan are impressive as ever, perhaps even better than they have ever been. The song is quite philosophical with RItual King exploring areas of the human psyche which you can feel through the sublime lyrics written for the song. If you’re here for the music alone then Ritual King have all bases covered with a classic style of Psychedelic Stoner which expertly bridges the gap between Cosmic Rock and Heavy Progressive grooves that lead onto greater sounds for the rest of the album.

Second song Worlds Divide is mostly driven by extended instrumental Heavy Psychedelic jams with the vocals appearing only when they need to. There’s a more playful quality to the lyrics on this track with Ritual King having fun with their music. The song has multiple musical up-tempo changes where the song is mostly melodic but changes to a heavier Doomed Out sound with the non-stop delivery of classic guitar shredding throughout.

Third song Landmass sees Ritual King become ever more confident with their wicked style of Heavy Psychedelic Cosmic Doom with this track having a more story driven narrative expressed superbly well within the vocals, lyrics and instrumental sounds on this track. The album becomes more forward thinking with tales of contacts with other lifeforms and the perils that go along with that type of journey. Ritual King delivers more heavy bombastic moments of Sludge fused Blues Rock/Stoner grooves with the band playing some of the heaviest parts of the album.

The final two tracks of Tethered and The Infinite Mirror is where RItual King becomes more focused upon delivering Progressive Stoner Rock with huge waves of Blues Rock that captures the 70’s Hard Rock influence down to a fine art. There’s a lot more SONIC or COSMIC interplay on these two tracks alone but Ritual King still allow themselves the perfect opportunity to play many wicked styles of Heavy Psychedelic Rock which marries up the Doom, Stoner and Sludge aesthetics amazingly well for some outstanding instrumental solos and great vocals by Jordan and Gareth.

There’s a lot more focus on the storytelling side of things for these two tracks alone with Ritual King playing twenty minutes of music that delivers pure “world-building” entertainment with the heavy destructive grooves that allows the band to end the album on an almighty high with real emotional depth leaving a lasting impression.

The Infinite Mirror has first-rate production values which the band co-produced along with Luke Clarke who also helped on Mixing and Engineering duties. Jim Spence also does a stellar job on mastering duties. With the excellent artwork by Ryan T Hancock, help this to be the complete package for all dedicated followers of the Doom/Stoner Metal scene. You need more evidence to add this record to your collection. Well, it’s being released by premier underground Heavy Rock label Ripple Music. And they always deliver the goods and The Infinite Mirror is no exception with a record that delivers some of the most exciting and action packed Cosmic/Heavy Psychedelic sounds you’ll hear this year.

Ritual King is making a late bid for releasing an AOTY Contender and I’m happy to say they’ve achieved that objective. This is another must have record from Ritual KIng who are perhaps shaping upto be the next breakout act from the UK Doom/Stoner Metal scene. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

The Infinite Mirror will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music from 17th November 2023.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Manchester Stoner Blues Trio RITUAL KING Shares Debut Single From Upcoming New Album "The Infinite Mirror", Out November 17th on Ripple Music.

Manchester stoner blues rockers RITUAL KING announce the release of their sophomore full-length "The Infinite Mirror" this November 13th on Ripple Music, and release its infectiously heavy first single "Landmass" on all streaming platforms today!

Stream Ritual King's new single "Landmass"

From the enigmatic corridors of Manchester's underground stoner rock scene emerges RITUAL KING's latest magnum opus, "The Infinite Mirror". A journey that transcends the traditional boundaries of stoner psych rock, this album is a testament to the band's continued evolution and their ability to tread new sonic territories. While their signature heavy riffs and intoxicating rhythms are very much present, they're complemented by expansive, atmospheric passages that transport listeners to otherworldly realms. From the hypnotic realm of "Flow State" to the expansive soundscape of the title track "The Infinite Mirror" the album boasts a sonic palette that's as diverse as it is mesmerizing.

"The Infinite Mirror" delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of introspection, duality, and the eternal search for meaning: it demands to be experienced in its entirety, with each track acting as a fragment of a larger, interconnected whole. Through a masterful balance of heaviness and harmony, it will plunge into darker realms, only to emerge into passages of serene elegance, reflecting the very duality it seeks to explore. With "The Infinite Mirror," RITUAL KING has not just released an album, but a statement. It’s a declaration of their versatility and their ambition. Prepare to gaze deep within, and discover the endless possibilities that lie beyond the reflection.

It was produced, mixed and engineered by Luke Clarke and mastered by Jim Spenceat Eve Studios, Stockport, UK. The artwork was designed by Ryan T Hancock. It will be released in various vinyl editions, CD and digital on November 17th, with preorders available now from Ripple Music.

RITUAL KING "The Infinite Mirror"- Out November 17th on Ripple Music
US preorder - Bandcamp preorder

Since their inception, the band has consistently pushed the boundarieof their genre, weaving intricate tales both musically and lyrically, and taking listeners on a kaleidoscopic journey of sound. Formed in the vibrant heart of Manchester's underground metal scene in 2016, the members of RITUAL KING came together with a shared desire to create something that defied easy categorization. Each member brought their unique influences to the table: from classic hard rock to the otherworldly echoes of progressive psych, elements of folk, and the gritty underpinnings of stoner rock. The result is a heady mix that’s as meditative as it is mosh-worthy.

RITUAL KING's live performances are a testament to their musical prowess and electric chemistry, notably touring the UK and Europe since 2017 and embarking on tours with the likes of Weedpecker, gaining slots at Freak Valley Festival in Germany as well as support slots playing alongside the likes of Atomic Bitchwax, Nebula and Colour Haze. On stage, they transcend the confines of the studio to truly bring their music to life. This dynamic energy has garnered them a fanbase across the UK and beyond.

The band's discography showcases their evolution and range. From the raw, visceral creations of their early 2018 EP entitled "Earthrise", the riff-laden journeys of their 2020 first self-titled album, RITUAL KING is never content to rest on their laurels. Each release is an invitation into their world, one where musical conventions are challenged, and where listeners are encouraged to lose themselves in the band's expansive sonic landscapes.

RITUAL KING is:

Jordan Leppitt - Lead Vocals & Guitar
Dan Godwin - Bass
Gareth Hodges - Drums & Backing Vocals

RITUAL KING links

Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Bandcamp ⎪ Instagram ⎪ Spotify

RIPPLE MUSIC links

Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Bandcamp ⎪ Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details 

Ritual King - S/T (Album Review)

Release date: February 21^st 2020. Label: Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Ritual King - S/T - Tracklisting

1. Valleys

2. No Compromise

3. Headspace

4. 602

5. Dead Roads

6. Restrain

7. Black Hills

Members

Jordan Leppitt - Lead Vocals & Guitar

Dan Godwin - Bass

Gareth Hodges - Drums & Backing Vocals

Review

I have to applaud Ripple Music for signing Ritual King to their ever-growing ranks and bringing the band to my attention. As I haven’t heard of these guys before and what a great album the band have released for their self-titled debut album. Ritual King play a blend of Seventies Hard Rock with the band mixing traces of Blues Rock, Psych Rock, Classic Doom, Stoner Metal and Proto-Metal into their music. The end result is a trippy kaleidoscopic ride into the heavier realms of Hard Rock/Metal.

The album gets off to a great start with the superb opening song – Valleys – as Ritual King let fly with stunning guitar riffs that are steeped in Black Sabbath sounds before adding a more spacier abstract effect. The vocals are top-notch Doom Rock/Stoner Metal fare with Ritual King proving all their worth with Progressive grooves leading the way. The song sounds quite vintage and modern at the same time. The OTT lyrics give Ritual King another spaced out dimension to their music.

Second song – No Compromise – opens with a slower Blues Rock groove with a slight Jazzy Progressive sound with the band showing their musical technical ability for the few moments of the song before exploding into the standard Doom/Stoner Metal Sound Ritual King will use for the rest of the album. Though it’s good to hear to experience the Blues Rock influence the band use so well. This song is distinctively heavy but with a few mellow parts along the way.

Third song – Headspace – carries on with the slow-paced Blues Rock/Jazz vibe with the band adding heavy drum beats that signals something heavier is upon us and then the heavy psychedelic spaced out rhythms appear. The song becomes grander in scale with the dual vocals of Jordan and Gareth with the riffs being more direct with the rhythm section laying down the groundwork for Ritual King to thrive upon.

Fourth song – 602 – is a more straight-forward foray of Doom/Stoner Rock from the band and being purely instrumental it becomes one of the standout songs on the album. As Ritual King play an epic style of Instrumental Rock/Metal with flashes of Progressive Rock being used for maximum effect. The instrumental work is stunning as the band left me wanting more hearing this style of music.

The final part of the album which contains the following songs - Dead Roads, Restrain and Black Hills proves why I love the underground Doom/Stoner Rock scene as Ritual King have a fearless attitude towards their music. As they play a rich blend of different styles of music that hold your attention with excellent vocals and song-writing to match.

This album has quite a varied sound that you wouldn’t expect. The distorted sounds that are added to the final part of the album on Dead Roads for example brings an extra layer of heaviness that allows Ritual King to impress even more. The production is fantastic throughout and I’ve said this countless times but I wouldn’t expect anything less from Ripple Music. So if you need another reason why to check out this album it’s because being on Ripple Music is a sign of quality.

Though, this is Ritual King’s time to shine and they have released a brilliantly entertaining album that does everything right that you would want from a debut album. If you’re looking for action-packed sounds from a band creating music on their own terms, then Ritual King have all the answers for you right here.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo. Ritual King debut album will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via RippleMusic from Feb 21st 2020.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Festival News - GIZZARD FEST - SLOMATICS HEADLINING

On September 23rd, 2017 The Cutlers Arms in Rotherham. 

A celebration of all things heavy, loud and fuzzy will be taking place between the hours of 12pm & 12am. It'll be taking place on outside stage, under the marquee.

They'll be local store stalls, the finest cask ales, and food available within the venue!

LINEUP:

Slomatics
Ten Foot Wizard
Kurokuma
Spaztik Munkey
1968
Witch Tripper
Under
Ritual King
The Temple
Sound of Origin

Bleeding Tooth
Strange Bru

Doors: 12pm
Early-Bird Tickets: £8 - Buy Tickets Here

Train Station/Venue Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/fh9dUjQEdK42

Local Hotels:

http://www.fernleahotel.net/
http://www.carltonparkhotel.com/
http://www.breconhotel.co.uk/