Riti Occulti: Secta

I remember reviewing this band's first album back in January 2013; as I recall, I liked the album, but spent some of my review complaining about the constant fascination with the occult in heavy metal. I don't know exactly what motivated my outburst—perhaps I thought that interest in the occult was drowning out interest in the music itself. After all, heavy metal is a form of music and not exactly a form of ritual. I also suggested that this band should play up the doomier aspects of its sound a little more, mostly because I thought I heard some 70s stoner stuff going on.

I feel lucky that I can review Riti Occulti's second album, mostly so I can spend a little more time on their music and a little less time indulging in my commentary. Riti Occulti is a good occult blackened doom band, one that I enjoy a great deal, especially now that I've listened to the second album a few times.

Perhaps the biggest component of this band's music is its heavy bass; low and rumbling, it gives life to everything around it, providing the essential pulse and rhythm. This band has no guitar players and so leans heavily on the power of the bass to move things forward. Occasionally, the bass gives way to an equally heavy and menacing organ tone, one that occasionally emits some pretty scary-sounding effects.

The vocals, shared by Elisabetta Marchetti (clean) and Serena Mastracco (harsh), are quite effective. Serena's growl is raspy and evil whereas Elisabetta's vocals are often haunting and atmospheric. The result is a dark and brooding body of music, heavy with power, doom, and occasional glimpses of transcendence. It's a good release; if nothing else, check out "Argentum Vivum," a solid introduction to what this band does best.

Track Listing:
1. Nigredo
2. Plumbum
3. Stannum
4. Ferrum
5. Aes
6. Argentum
7. Argentum Vivum
8. Aurum
9. Albedo

Added: May 14th 2014
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 2160
Language: english

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