KILL RITUAL – In My Head

vote
6.5

• Bands:
  KILL RITUAL
• Duration: 00:49:26
• Available from: 11/21/2025
• Label:

• Massacre Records

A direct, compact and gritty US-heavy metal is what Kill Ritual has always followed, a band that confirms itself with this “In My Head” as a reality willing to do anything except betray the tradition and essence of the music we love so much, despite the fact that the previous six studio albums have not left a clear mark in the history of the genre.

Steven D. Rice is the mind and arm of the entire project, dealing with songwriting, guitars, synths, bass and vocals, even if in this work a certain Judas appears as a guest on the microphone, about whom however we have no information. During the ten songs present here, not a moment is spared between riffs and screams driven by an abundant dose of conviction and dedication. Of course, Kill Ritual has always lacked a pinch of flair capable of transforming robust compositions into real hymns, and this time too we probably feel the lack of some truly exciting passages, not so much regarding the construction of the songs – and therefore the instrumental part – but above all for the singing phase. In short, those vocal lines that ultimately make the difference even within a genre that focuses a lot on substance like this.

The title track that opens the listener does not lack a massive amount of power within dark atmospheres that remind us of groups like Helstar, but between a vocal placed here and there and massive riffs that never stop, in the end there is always a little something missing. A record supported by top-notch production, which is highlighted by the aggressive “Shadow On Your Grave”, where some thrash influence emerges which reoccurs throughout the entire listen. Rice's work on the guitars is commendable and finally finds a good balance with the usability of the composition itself during the compact “Fall To Fly (Join Or Die)”, which finally also shows a noteworthy melodic twist during the refrain. However, we often get lost through gratuitously complex guitar textures and exaggeratedly heavy songs, and not in terms of power, but intended as not very enjoyable to listen to, as in the dark “I Paint In Death” or in the rough “More Than Pain” and “Fire Bird”, songs which again are too linear, vocally speaking.

In short, a vigorous album and, in some ways, guaranteed headbanging, this “In My Head”, between classic US metal and thrash, which however only on some occasions truly manages to remain impressed. Rice's guitar work can sometimes appear remarkable, but, even on this occasion, it could be put more at the service of the songs.