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Ritual: The Story of Mr. Bogd - Part 1
 Swedish progressive rock band Ritual will release their first album in 17 years, The Story of Mr. Bogd - Part 1, a concept album that marks a triumphant return. The current lineup consists of Jon Gamble (keyboards, guitars, backing vocals), Patrik Lundström (lead vocals, guitar), Fredrik Lindquist (bass, backing vocals), and Johan Nordgren (drums, percussion).
The album begins with "A Hasty Departure", a progressive rock masterpiece that sets the tone for the journey ahead. The song's catchy and addictive melodies, combined with its heavier, pompous sound, evoke the spirit of Genesis and Yes in their heyday.
The journey continues with "The Inn of the Haunted Owl", a haunting and intense track with rounded edge hooks and addictive rhythms. The folky segment "Dreams in a Brougham" showcases the band's ability to craft exquisite Scandinavian instrumental folk, while "Chichikov Bogd" delivers modern progressive rock bliss, reminiscent of Big Big Train and Gentle Giant.
The conceptual narrative reaches its peak with "Mr. Tilly and his Gang", a corky and clownish musical interlude that presents a traveling circus-like entertainment. The journey then continues through "Through a Rural Landscape", an instrumental section that builds a bridge to "The Feline Companion", a haunting and hypnotic track with dark and twisted melodies.
The album concludes with "Read All About It", a heavy, Yes-sounding track with chaotic progressive rock and outstanding vocal harmonies, followed by the beautiful acoustic song "Forgotten Qualities", which invites the listener to relax and enjoy the view. Finally, "The Three Heads of the Well" goes deeper into minstrel-style music, folky and menacing, leaving the listener craving for Part 2… let’s hope the band doesn’t take as long to give us that continuation… cheers!
Track Listing:
1. A Hasty Departure (6:29)
2. The Inn of the Haunted Owl (4:48)
3. Dreams in a Brougham (3:40)
4. Chichikov Bogd (4:19)
5. Mr. Tilly and his Gang (3:09)
6. Through a Rural Landscape (3:03)
7. The Feline Companion (5:41)
8. Read All About It! (4:17)
9. Forgotten Qualities (6:16)
10. The Three Heads of the Well (3:57)
Added: December 17th 2024
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score: 
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1050
Language: english
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| » SoT Staff Roundtable Reviews: |
Ritual: The Story of Mr. Bogd - Part 1
Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2024-12-17 16:42:03
My Score: 
To be honest, I had completely forgotten about this Swedish band, as it has been nearly two decades since we last heard anything new from them. With
The Story of Mr. Bogd, part 1, Ritual has emerged from the ashes, and honestly, it's one of their strongest efforts yet. With equal amounts folk rock and symphonic progressive rock, many of the elements we remember so well from the band remain intact...the acoustic guitar, flute, and commanding keyboards of the vibrant opener "A Hasty Departure", the quirky arrangement of "The Inn of the Haunted Owl", the haunting Mellotron on "The Feline Companion", to the rocking, complex romp of "Read All About It!", there's fun, challenging prog to be found everywhere. It's all so very Swedish and so enjoyable, so a very big 'welcome back' to Ritual, and hopefully Part 2 is not far off.
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