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RITUAL FOG
But Merely Flesh

Transcending Obscurity (2024)
Rating: 8/10

I’m slightly disappointed that these Memphis, Tennessee-based deathsters have returned with such a short album. At only 30 minutes I have major concerns that this opus will disappear into the mists of time, swallowed by the glut of gloomy bands on the circuit. But anyhow, here we are with But Merely Flesh, a strong start to the band’s album career.

Strong Obituary vapours rise from the riffs as melancholic tones ring out within the crypt. Although the Ritual Fog moniker suggests a band with a really low end and swampy sound, some may find it quite surprising that the combo tends to sway towards a thrashing death premise. Even so, I find Ritual Fog more beneficial when clambering through mid-paced miasma as evidenced on ‘Desolate Chasm’ with gasping vocals from guitarist Ian Younkin.

‘Demented Procession’ also brings with it a dismal mid-tempo gloom which gradually quickens. Even so, the quartet refuses to get too bogged down – after all, a plethora of current acts are resorting to boggy brutality. Much of the algae is eventually swept away with songs like ‘Carnal Pain’, with its steady mashing, and ‘Nocturnal Suffering’ too.

There’s some excellent groove based death metal to chew on here, Ritual Fog constantly mixing the levels of pace, culminating in a solid old school outing that fits well with the striking colours of the cover art. As I said previously, I wish the album was a bit longer, but the brace of ‘Sentient Chamber’ and ‘But Merely Flesh’ at the rear end provide enough frenzied action to sweep you back into the quagmire of horror.

Neil Arnold

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