Ritual of Infinity

Last updated
Ritual of Infinity
RitualOfInfinity.jpg
Studio album by
Released1992
RecordedJanuary–September 1992
StudioLegend Studios in Long Island, New York
Genre Death metal
Length32:51
Label JL America
Producer Bob Vandermark, Morpheus Descends
Morpheus Descends chronology
Adipocere
(1992)
Ritual of Infinity
(1992)
Chronicles of the Shadowed Ones
(1994)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Death Metal UndergroundPositive [1]
Last RitesMixed [2]
MaelstromStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [3]
Voices From The DarksideVery Favorable [4]

Ritual of Infinity is the first studio album by American death metal band Morpheus Descends. It was released in late 1992 through JL America. The album was reissued on compact disc in 2005 through Spanish independent label Xtreem Music along with the entire Adipocere extended play. The Crypt reissued the album (along with the rest of the band's discography) on vinyl for the first time on black, blue, and clear vinyl in 2015. It is the first album by the group to feature vocalist Jeff Riemer as well as their last to include guitarist Steve Hanson.

Contents

Background and recording

Tracks from the album were recorded during three separate sessions at Legend Studios, New York in January, April, and September 1992. [5] [6] The tracks "Trephanation" and "Accelerated Decrepitude" are re-recordings of tracks previously released on the Adipocere EP. The tracks "Corpse Under Glass", "Proclaimed Creator," and "Ritual of Infinity" were previously released as a three-track demo tape under the name Corpse Under Glass.

The cover art for the album was done by the artist Brad Moore--who became a fan of the band after he listened to the Corpse Under Glass demo and was asked by bassist Ken Faggio if he could do artwork for the album. [7]

Release and reception

The album initially faced lukewarm reception upon its release. [8] To support the album the band embarked upon a self-financed tour. [8]

The album gets some moderate praise from critics today. Death Metal Underground says that the album has "character and a constant sense of motion in structure that enables continuity to dissonant, postmodern, thunderous music" while also criticizing the album's mixing. [1] Matt Smith of the heavy metal webzine Maelstrom states in his review of the 2005 Xtreem edition of the album: "Ritual of Infinity is a great example of early '90s New York death metal." [3]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Sam Inzerra

No.TitleLength
1."The Way of All Flesh"4:37
2."Corpse Under Glass"3:45
3."Immortal Coil"3:44
4."Trephanation"2:57
5."Proclaimed Creator"3:42
6."Accelerated Decrepitude"2:28
7."Submerged In Adipocere"3:20
8."Enthralled To Serve"4:00
9."Ritual of Infinity"3:59
Total length:32:51
2005 reissue bonus tracks (Adipocere)
No.TitleLength
10."Trephanation"3:15
11."Triformed Limbs"2:30
12."Stigmatic Crucifixion"3:35
13."Residual Kill"3:00
14."Accelerated Decrepitude"3:02
Total length:47:49

Release history

RegionDateLabelFormatCatalog
United States1992JL America CD, CS 3815-41012-2
Spain2005 Xtreem Music CDXM032CD
United States2015The Crypt LP CRYPT 60

Personnel

Adapted from the Ritual of Infinity liner notes. [6]

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References

  1. 1 2 n/a. "Morpheus Descends – Ritual of Infinity". deathmetal.org. Death Metal Underground. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
  2. Sessions, Chris. "Review of Morpheus Descends – Ritual of Infinity + Adipocere". yourlastrites.com. Last Rites. Retrieved 2005-10-11.
  3. 1 2 Smith, Matt. "Album Review: Morpheus Descends – Ritual of Infinity/Adipocere". maelstromzine.com. Maelstrom. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
  4. Cubero, Mario. "Morpheus Descends – Ritual of Infinity/Adipocere". voicesfromthedarkside.de. Voices From The Darkside. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
  5. n/a. "Chronicle of the Shadowed One: An Interview with Rob Yench of Morpheus Descends". peopleoftheblackcircle.blogspot.com. People of the Black Circle. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
  6. 1 2 n/a (1993-03-09). Ritual of Infinity [Liner Notes]. Indianapolis, IN: JL America.
  7. n/a. "Interview: Brad Moore, Who Designed The Legendary Morpheus Descends Cover". deathmetal.org. Death Metal Underground. Retrieved 2013-10-09.
  8. 1 2 Rameriz, Carlos. "Interview with Rob Yench (Morpheus Descends, Mausoleum, Typhus, Engorge, Incarnation)". noecho.net. No Echo. Retrieved 2014-12-12.