Hybryds – The Rhythm Of The Ritual

As always the HYBRYDS bring us a classy, perfectly formed Ethno-Ambient music, combining musics evocative of a mystic East, and just a tincture of darker mood music. If you're not familiar with this group but like people in a similar field - MUSLIMGAUZE springs to mind - then you should devour this with gusto. They don't try to replicate a specific music, but instead build their own interpretation up with mostly electronic devices. The resultant music form smacks of quality - miles from any lo-fi home recording, this has crystaline quality which is rich in colour and shade. The attractive cover perfectly reflects the music within. "Wailing For The Fallen Angels" breaks the mould a little, avoiding percussion for a long stretch all but for a heartbeat kick which dwells in a softly drifting ambience, accompanied by half-hidden voices and a thin violin-like sound, discordant and grating, bringing to mind moments from TEST DEPT's "Beating The Retreat". Even when the congas and claves in it retains it's softly softly approach. "The Ritual Should Be Kept Alive Part 1 (Vocal Mix)" also has a similar approach, with deep, droning vocals like a Gregorian chant from the Monastry Of The Beast, this time swapping the shedded violin for what I assume is some type of whistle.
A varied, trancey album which manages to keep a ive, tranquil mood while exploring areas one could only call Industrial. Once you hear this album you'll feel compelled to seek out more. A rare gem indeed.

Originally reviewed for Soft Watch.