REVIEW: Ritual Arcana - Ritual Arcana

“This is Ritual Arcana and we’re setting ourselves free” claim the trio from the US. Ritual Arcana is a new project by some of the leading faces of doom. An album packed with, in their words, “a cauldron of hard rock, doom, and the supernatural.”

The lineup includes vocalist and bassist SHARLEE LUCKYFREE (formerly of MOTH), SCOTT "WINO" WEINRICH one of the legendary faces of doom on guitar, and OAKLEY MUNSON on drums (formerly of The Black Lips and Old Testament). WINO has had an impressive career over the years being involved with acts such as The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, Place of Skulls, The Hidden Hand, Shrine Builder, and Premonition 13 to name a few. And now, Ritual Arcana.

In a quick turn around and aptly, you might think, the first single was released on Halloween last year, and in the run up to the album’s release we have been presented with three singles and a music video for each; Ritual Arcana, Subtle Fruits, and Wake The Goddess. There is a very strong sense of identity with this release and the band as a whole. Everything is adorned with symbolism and graphics containing bold hues of red and yellow, and nearly always with a key, a sword, and a feather. Hints of the supernatural and darkness are sprinkled amongst the group visually as well as lyrically.

Ritual Arcana starts with a hard rock centric track, with intense guitar breaks that become a staple as the album goes on. Occluded, Free Like A Pirate, and Summon The Wheel each volunteer a slightly bluesy structure that gives the sense of similarity. Throughout, SHARLEE’s vocals are consistent and exude a beautiful tone that complement the steady drums from MUNSON and the echoing guitar of WINO.

Berkhana shows off more of a doom side with a solid and unforgettable drum beat accompanying as the song plays out. Track five, Mistress of Change, is five minutes of spooky, raw moments intertwined with evocative, fuzzy rhythms. Subtle Fruits, one of the other preleased singles, has a doomy and hazy aura that draws you in. Alongside the screechier vocals and atmospheric, wavering guitar this track is truly memorable. The haunting guitar solo reverberates through you as it wavers and hesitates as the track closes.

Tracks Road Burnt and Judgement XX contain the catchy style you’ve become more and more familiar with as the album goes on, and the latter has a decent guitar solo you’d be sorry to miss. Finally we have Wake The Goddess, containing lots of wavy sounds and glimpses of a darker attitude. The funky psychedelic moments sound freeing, in contrast with the compelling shouts from SHARLEE.

Overall there are a few gems, although a lot of the songs feel quite safe and confined by their own rules. The standout tracks being Subtle Fruits and Wake The Goddess, accompanied by their respective music videos, you begin to get a chance to experience the voyage the band is trying to take you on. The visualisation of the band is stunning and the detail is commendable, with songs that transport you to their spiritual world. 

Ritual Arcana will be released on the 23rd January 2026 via Heavy Psych Sounds.

Score: 7/10

Words: Danielle Henderson

Photos: Ritual Arcana