The Hemulic Voluntary Band (2007) is the fourth studio album by Swedish progressive rock band Ritual. Its title references a fictional brass band from Tove Jansson’s Moomin universe, but the music leans more toward folk, symphonic rock, and '70s-style prog, resulting in a richly imaginative sound. Although not a concept album, it’s thematically tied by literary influences and a sense of childlike wonder. Drawing on Jansson's work, the lyrics explore imagination, nature, and the fantastical. Ritual’s songwriting focuses on storytelling and emotional depth, creating an immersive experience. Critics praised the album’s inventive arrangements and emotional range. It's mix of complexity and accessibility appeals to both prog fans and casual listeners, with a strong balance of technique and feeling. In short, The Hemulic Voluntary Band showcases Ritual’s skill at crafting intricate yet heartfelt music. Its fusion of folk, rock, and prog, paired with thoughtful lyrics, makes it a standout in the genre. 1. The Hemulic Voluntary Band 2. In The Wild 3. Late In November 4. The Groke 5. Waiting By The Bridge 6. A Dangerous Journey
Release date:
September 26, 2025
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
The Hidden Cameras Bronto
Universal UK
September 19, 2025 -
Restraining Order Future Fortune
Blue Grape Music
September 26, 2025 -
Khalid After the Sun Goes Down [2xLP]
Rca Records
October 10, 2025 -
David Byrne Who Is The Sky? (Lemon Yellow)
Matador
September 5, 2025 -
Insomniac Om Moksha Ritam
Blues Funeral Recordings
September 5, 2025 -
sombr I Barely Know Her
Warner Records
October 31, 2025 -
Eve Adams American Dust
Basin Rock
September 5, 2025 -
Vindicator Communal Decay
Nltm Records
September 5, 2025 -
Gatlin The Eldest Daughter
Dualtone Music Group
October 3, 2025 -
The Beaches No Hard Feelings
Beaches Touring Inc.
August 29, 2025 -
Sarah McLachlan Better Broken
Concord Records
September 19, 2025 -
Stay Inside Lunger (Yellow Glitter)
Tiny Engines
October 3, 2025 -
Runnner A Welcome Kind of Weakness (Blue)
Run For Cover
August 29, 2025 -
Saint Etienne International
Heavenly
September 5, 2025