Description
If Edgar Allan Poe had a favorite band, it would probably be Detroit’s Ritual Howls. Described uniquely as “death jangle,” this trio concocts a heady brew that intertwines post-punk, industrial rhythms, atmospheric film scores, and even a touch of the avant-garde world of musique concrète. If you’ve never heard of “death jangle” before, think of it as the sound of shadows whispering tales of eerie mystery.
At the helm of this dark ship are Paul Bancell (vocals/guitars), the mastermind spinning Poe-esque tales, Ben Saginaw (bass), and Chris Samuels who handles Synths, Samples, and Drum Machines. They’re not just musicians; they’re alchemists. They take samples from the real world, melding them with instruments to craft a haunting darkness infused with pop overtones. It’s a dance with the macabre where the beats are irresistible.
Ritual Howls isn’t new to the game. They announced their eerie presence with a self-titled debut album back in 2012 through Urinal Cake Records, followed by spine-chilling cassettes on Nostilevo. But it was after joining forces with Felte that they unleashed 2014’s ‘Turkish Leather’ – a masterpiece dripping with sweeping spaghetti Western drama. Then came ‘Into the Water’ in 2016, which further showcased their deft ability to balance country tones with abyssal darkness. 2017 saw the release of their chilling ‘Their Body EP’, while 2019’s ‘Rendered Armor’ honed in on their industrial roots, presenting a more streamlined sound.
So, for those seeking a soundtrack to their most gothic dreams (or nightmares), Ritual Howls delivers, album after album.
