One of the most legendary bands from the 90s Swedish progressive scene is finally back with a new album, 17 years since the last full-length. Ritual has often been a band with a concept, and their music has often been inspired by Tove Jansson’s novels about the Moomins. On their return, we’re invited into the strange story of the mysterious Mr. Bogd. And this fifth studio album is only part 1 of the story! Since its formation in 1993, the band soon established a distinct progressive style of their own influenced by progressive rock and hard rock of the ‘70s as well as contemporary bands. They’ve always been song-based, melodic and intense, with a great stylistic variation, and plenty of folk music influences seeping in. The latter feature is not least due to the band's frequent use of acoustic instruments like bouzouki, mandola, whistles and the Swedish nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle). On the epic “The Story of Mr. Bogd Part 1”, Ritual is definitely continuing on this musical journey, and the new songs will hit old fans right in the heart. We’re extremely thrilled to have Ritual back with a new album that will charm and surprise both old and new fans.
