MySpace has been responsible for introducing me to some really good bands... and some really crap bands. Black Ritual, luckily, were one of the really good bands. Hailing from Charlotte in the US, they're from the same part of the world as another one of my favourites - A Road Eternal - and, I've got to tell you, there's got to be something in the water there... there's just such a great wealth of metal talent coming from that region at the moment... It kinda makes me want to move from my home in rainy England...
After having being pointed in the direction of Black Ritual by another MySpace friend of mine, I soon became a fan... I mean, what's not to like?! E-Rock (the band's bass player) was on hand to answer a few questions from this newly converted fan of BLACK RITUAL!

Lou: How long has Black Ritual been together?

E-Rock: 3 years... but we have all known eachother for 10 - 12 years,,playing in different bands...

Lou: Describe the music you play in 3 words...

E-Rock: Heavy, melodic, metal

Lou: Who's in the band?

E-Rock: Rick (lead guitars), E-rock (bass), Gary (drums) , Andy (lead guitars) and Chuck (vox)

Lou: Where can we find you online?

E-Rock: myspace, soundclick/black ritual, purevolume.com, myxer.com, letsbattle.com, bandspace.com and youtube.com

Lou: Do you have any albums or EPs available? If so, where can we get them from?

E-Rock: We are finishing up our first full length CD as we speak... 12 songs,with our CD. Release party - May 31st here in Charlotte N.C... We are in the works of putting them for sale online, for people not around this area...

Lou: Do you have any merchandise available?

E-Rock: That also is in the works... We should have an online store in no time

Lou: What's your favourite track from your MySpace page and why? Personally, at the moment I'm really into "Terrified" and "War Within".

E-Rock: My personal favs are also "Terrified"... and "These Pills". Very fun songs to play live... "Below Zero" is also a good song to get the crowd moving... Which is what we like!

Lou: What sort of subjects do you like to write about?

E-Rock: Basically every song seems to be about something different. Our singer writes his lyrics as he gets the finished product. He sits down and writes what he feels... its usually dark... some evilness... and some songs such as "Window Pain" have true events that HAVE HAPPENED, that song is on the album (still in the works)

Lou: Which bands / musicians are your biggest influences?

E-Rock: Ahh lets see that's a lot... I would say... Acid Bath, Testament, As I Lay Dying, Hatebreed, Lamb Of God, Black Sabbath... Rick is really into a lot of speed metal type bands.

Lou: What has been the biggest compliment that Black Ritual has received?

E-Rock: That we should already be signed... and touring...

Lou: Have you had any 'Spinal Tap' moments while you've been onstage?

E-Rock: Haha... Well, na, mostly E-rock and Chuck trying not to hurt eachother, with chords or swinging basses...

Lou: Do you have any gigs coming up?

E-Rock: Yes we do. We try to play out as much as possible without interfering with the family life. We are definitely ready to hit the road! ( we have our shows posted on myspace all the time)

Lou: Do you have any rituals that you need to do before going onstage? (Yes, I did get the idea for this question from your name!)

E-Rock: Haha ahh kool... Well... I do a few shots... Usually we are making the set list up right before we go on...

Lou: Have you got any live / promotional videos online?

E-Rock: Yes you can see alot of our shows on youtube.com

Lou: What's the metal scene like in North Carolina?

E-Rock: Well thank god is on its way up... but we definitely have our own style here. Own attitudes. We are definitely crazy party bands here and we are very loyal to each other and helping up and coming younger metal bands. You can go see, say one of the better known bands from charlotte and or surrounding citys and you will see a band who is doin' there first show... ever! Black Ritual definitely supports this! If we don't support the young metal heads comin' up what will we have to party to when were to old to play?! Haha!

Lou: Have you ever played outside of the US? Have you got any plans to come to Europe?

E-Rock: We have not played outside the US YET... but we definitely want to go to Japan, Europte and England.... that way you can come see us play!

Lou: What are you plans for the near future?

E-Rock: Of course we would like to be signed... and tour with a bigger act... We know it takes time and hardwork, and good music and attitude... but ya never know we might just get lucky! You will definitely be seeing a lot of Black Ritual! Thanks very much for the support... We would definitely love to work with you as much as possible... You rock!