CoC : Ritual Carnage - The Highest Law : Review

Ritual Carnage - _The Highest Law_
(Osmose, 1998)
by: Paul Schwarz (3 out of 10)

As one scene fades, over the course of time, into another, an attentive observer can examine and assess the influence which the previous "generation" exerts over the one following it. Sometimes newer bands impress us with their originality or ability to develop and build upon a previous style. Sometimes new bands sound derivative of their "elders" and the only words to say before throwing the source of irritation from your stereo is "rip-off" (though occasionally a band -will- get away with lack of originality through sheer good songwriting). Ritual Carnage were cast from my sight with the words "rip-off" on my lips. They appear to love Kreator and they'd probably be excellent, enthusiastic and able candidates for a Kreator cover-band. However, it is painfully obvious that when attempting to construct a whole album of "original" material they forgot one vital ingredient: originality itself. With the cover of Onslaught's "Death Metal", which features Erik Rutan and George Corpsegrinder and has led to some rather deceiving advertising (for which Osmose have officially apologized), this clocks in at 31 odd minutes; I was thankful it at least didn't take me too long to listen to this enough to complete my review of it. I do suggest Osmose sign a few less of these retro-thrash bands; the "joke" is wearing as thin as the knees on their jeans.

(article published 16/1/1999)

CHATS
2/13/1999	D Rocher	Ritual Carnage: The Great Eastern Trendkill

ALBUMS
9/1/2002	A Wee	7.5	Ritual Carnage - The Birth of Tragedy
5/25/2000	D Rocher	8	Ritual Carnage - Every Nerve Alive