YESSHOWS

Of all the songs over the years from this album the only one I return to is Ritual. What a grand event this thing is. I even like the idea that this tune was so important it had to be split into two to fit on vinyl! The song is so great I even over look the fact it's a little on the tinny side. The percussion section has me from beginning to end. I've always wanted to corner someone from the band and ask how the screaming/drumming portion was accomplished. Who is doing it? Who is doing the low vocal droning that happens before each scream? How are they able to achieve the effects while doing so? The timing and blaring noise. I get a real sense that something serious is happening.

It reminds me of the time I was in France in the early 80's. I was there for a folk festival representing the Americans and countries from around the world were there putting performances showcasing their cultures. During a stage performance the Africans reenacted a tribal exorcism. They launched into it without announcing what it was. There was heavy drumming, people dancing around a guy sitting on the ground out of his mind and body, a witch doctor was shaking him, and dousing him with gallons of milk. It was quite a noisy and visual spectacle. I had a feeling people in the audience didn't know what to make of it because of the nervous laughter. But something told me these guys weren't playing around.

While not sounding exactly like Ritual it seemed to me to encompass a like ideal - in a matter of speaking. A battle of good vs evil. Chaos. Urgency. Driving. Let the devil show his face. Then conquer him. And, in the end, peace. Going home.

Love it. Thanks, guys.