High Roller Records 2025.
Starlight Ritual was born in Montréal, Québec, sometime in 2013, founded by guitarists J.F. Bertrand and Dan Toupin. It was originally Bertrand’s idea to start a doom/psychedelic project, and they soon recruited bassist Mat Forge and drummer Louis Lecomte. Dan and J.F. wrote a full-length album of doomy, heavy/prog instrumental music. Some of those tracks ended up on the band’s first self-titled album in 2015 (technically a self-produced four-song EP, albeit with a running time of nearly 40 minutes).
Damian Ritual joined Starlight Ritual as a singer in early 2014. Since then, the band issued another EP, called »Age Of The Universe« (2016), followed by their first official full-length album »Sealed In Starlight« on Temple Of Mystery (2021). Starlight Ritual’s first effort for High Roller is their second official full-length album entitled »Rogue Angels«. “We recorded everything in our own studio in Montréal over the past year,” explains the singer.
“Most of the music was written by Dan Toupin, with a few tracks by J.F., and I contributed certain parts and helped rearrange the songs into their final versions. I recorded the bass and all vocals, including lyrics and vocal melodies. J.F. played drums, and Dan played all guitars.“ Looking back to the very beginnings of the band, in how far has their style changed over the years? “A lot, actually,” is the answer. “Our early work featured longer, more psychedelic tracks meant for zoning out, but I never felt that truly represented what the band could be. On the »Age Of The Universe« EP, we started leaning into a more classic heavy metal sound. By the time we released »Sealed In Starlight«, we had really found our identity: traditional heavy metal with epic flair, channeling the likes of Manowar and Running Wild, as well as older influences like Thin Lizzy and Rainbow. We blend the styles we love and make them our own. If I had to put a label on it, I’d call it ‘Epic Hard Rocking Traditional Metal’ – if that’s even a real genre!” The album »Rogue Angels« (which Damien describes as “sharp, deadly, and to the point”) sometimes carries a bit of a Grim Reaper vibe. Would that be a fair assessment? “Definitely in the vocals,” confirms the singer. “Steve Grimmett (RIP) was a huge influence on me. Songs that showcased his range and power, like ‘Rock Me 'Til I Die’, were staples for me as I explored my own voice. He’s right up there with Paul Di’Anno, Tony Martin, Eric Adams, Blackie Lawless, and, of course, Ronnie James.” “Exodus” is probably the slowest song on the album, an epic, maybe even a ballad, the closest to true doom metal possibly? “Exactly,” comes the reply. “It’s our ‘Heaven And Hell’ or ‘Egypt (The Chains Are On)’ moment. Every solid metal album needs at least one epic slow-burner – and what’s more epic than the Old Testament? Not much!” Nothing left to add to this, actually ---- written by MATTHIAS MADER
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Tracks:
01. Lost Among the Fold
02. Rogue Angels
03. Crusaders
04. Far Beyond the Storm
05. Of Words
06. Omenkillers
07. The Law
08. On the Run
09. Exodus
10. Aftermath
Starlight Ritual are:
Damian Ritual - vocals & bass
Dan Toupin - guitars & keyboards
J.F. Bertrand - drums
