At an age when violence and pornography are readily available on daytime TV while the machinery of a consumerist economy severs the world into the needy and the greedy, it seems unlikely that the name Ritual Abuse could excite much controversy. You’d be surprised. We’ve had criticisms, threats from local venues and t-shirt printing refusals.

The name ‘Ritual Abuse’ serves its extreme metal purpose: it immediately conjures imagery of heinous crimes against children, of bodies carved with signs of diabolical invocation. But we often forget the worse kind of abuse that we inflict upon ourselves daily.

‘We make slaves of ourselves, tangled in a web of domestic rituals: waking up, brushing our teeth; logistic rituals: going to a dull workplace only to be shelled of all our emotions, all our dreams, pounded into subservience. We return home only to worship at the altar of the TV god, kneeling before the set in another stupid ritual of spiritual submission. When asked if I’m religious, I reply that I believe only in the perseverance of this human stupidity.’

Though the lyrics of Ritual Abuse may seem escapist and cataclysmic, Ric insists that he takes his inspiration from his own life and the lives that he sees around him, as they’re ‘sick enough’. He is concerned with carnality, self-abuse, domination of the mind and spirit, and body, and there is also a subtle political statement in there. We shall leave you to divulge the mysteries en littera for yourselves.

‘This Asylum evil can’t be contained.’
Here and Now

The present line-up boasts Pete on guitar, self-confessed 80s obsessive Matt on bass, Andy on drums and ever-present wonder Richard on vocals. Faithful guitar abuser of the past year, Tris has recently announced his decision to leave the band to pursue his musical career in Australia. His contribution has helped to shape the band musically, bringing putrid death and grindcore influence to the Abuse’s skeleton of traditional Thrashism. Replacing Tris is young-gun James 'The Axxe', who adds his creative poison to the mix.

Ritual Abuse have kept Hell’s fires well stoked. Dedicated to gigging and with a view to recording soon, they are prepared to take this as far as it will go. A home demo is in the oven and more details will become available at a later date.