Crushing heaviness with melodic moments: Rituals at the NX, Newcastle - 12/02/2025
Just a few short years ago, Newcastle's own Rituals were captivating audiences in intimate, packed 50 capacity venues. Fast forward to February 12th, 2025, and they're effortlessly commanding the stage of a 2,000-capacity venue, like veterans
Upon first listen, it’s hard to believe Rituals are unsigned. The production quality on offer in their tracks rivals some of the best in the scene, with tracks like Broken Spirit hitting hard, delivering a raw punch to the face with its intense style, blending powerful melodic and gritty vocals. This carries into their live performances. This was their second time supporting Wage War, following their trip to SWG3 in Glasgow the previous night. As the NX filled up, the anticipation grew. I heard a few comments among the crowd, many expressing excitement and curiosity about Rituals’ set. It was clear that the buzz surrounding this band was building, and for good reason.
As the lights dimmed and the first heavy riff roared through the speakers, the room came alive. Rituals commanded the stage with an energy that could rival the headliners themselves. Their tight musicianship, combined with an unrelenting stage presence, left little doubt that they were a band on the brink of something big. Each track felt carefully crafted, balancing crushing heaviness with melodic moments that captivated everyone in the room.
Rituals’ frontman, Lewis Macrae, demonstrated an almost magnetic ability to command the crowd. His crowd work was nothing short of extraordinary, creating an atmosphere that felt both electric and personal. When he called for the pit, it wasn’t just a suggestion—it was a rallying cry that sparked one of the most intense and exhilarating pits I’ve ever experienced. His interactions felt genuine, as if he was speaking to each person individually, and that connection only served to amplify the energy in the room. It was a masterclass in frontman charisma and crowd engagement. A brief chat with him after the set revealed that he was not only genuine and down-to-earth but also deeply passionate about his craft.
The riffs on offer by guitarist Ewan Lee and bassist Dom James, accompanied by the relentless energetic fills of drummer Matt Dix, came together to make the perfect storm of sound. Their musical chemistry created a dynamic, genre-blending foundation that effortlessly shifted between haunting, atmospheric passages and gritty, full-throttle moments. Ewan’s intricate guitar work wove through the mix, adding layers of tension and release, while Dom’s basslines pulsed with raw power and rhythmic precision. Matt’s drumming, however, anchored everything, his precise yet explosive beats driving the band forward, adding a touch of chaos when needed.
By the end of their set, Rituals had the entire crowd in the palm of their hands. This wasn’t just a performance for the die-hard metalheads—every corner of the room felt the impact of their energy and precision. The thunderous applause that followed was well-earned, a clear sign that Rituals weren’t just another support act warming up the stage. They performed with the conviction and fire of a band destined for much bigger stages and even greater opportunities in the metal scene.
Photos by Lucy Cheyne - @lucycheynephoto
Words by Jasmine Phillips