2024 Retro – MODERN RITES

"Inner Voices
Endless yearning
Searching for refuge
Forever in a writhing maze
Oppressive in execution" ('Endless')

In the fifth episode of our ongoing retrospective series, we turn to MODERN RITES and the August 2024 release of their sophomore album "Endless". This remarkable work once again showcases the collaborative talents of guitarist Berg (AARA) and multi-instrumentalist/composer Jonny Warren (KUYASHII) as they refine, elevate and perfect their shared artistic vision. We also warmly invite you to revisit our earlier episodes, featuring the latest albums from WAIDELOTTE, PESTILENGTH, SELBST, and INSECT ARK.

"Atmospherically droning, each track feels a journey, filled with melodic breaks to catch your breath and allows you to glimpse into the glorious ugliness surrounding you." (Metal Epidemic)

As an introduction to "Endless", the aptly titled 'Prelude' begins with a calm, melodic and almost tender tone, leaving the listener unprepared for the seven crushing compositions to come. The remaining tracks deliver powerful slabs of dark '90s Industrial music within a low-slung framework of churning and guttural melodic Black Metal. Berg (AARA) and Jonny Warren (KUYASHII) have enhanced and perfected their distinctive vision of modern atmospheric Black Metal, heavily inspired by the dark Industrial sounds of the early '90s. Extravagant melodies intertwine with stark brutality, all elevated by a beautifully balanced, crystalline yet atmospheric production by Simón Da Silva (AVERSIO HUMANITATIS) at The Empty Hall Studio.

"Underneath the ashes
New blooms break ground
A new sun begins to rise
In the end this too shall pass" ('Becoming')

Within each MODERN RITES' song Jonny Warren's lyrics grapple with the profound question of what it means to be and remain human in the face of a hostile environment. This theme has continued on "Endless", as Jonny explained during an interview with the German print magazine Legacy:

"One thing we were very intentional about when starting the project was that we wanted the lyrics to be a true reflection of the human condition. This is definitely a driving force behind the sound as well, where the dance between poignancy and aggression take center stage.

With Art in general, my approach is to speak to the diverse backgrounds we all have and allow the listener or viewer to create their own personal connections to the work. While I have my own meanings, I try not to force them upon others, but rather challenge them to find their own pathways of understanding. In the end, I want the takeaway to be that all of our experiences, while vastly different, are ultimately connected in some way or another and to be mindful of how we move through this journey of life together."

This approach is also reflected via the "Endless" cover artwork, as Jonny continues to elaborate:

"For me, the visuals are certainly an aid to help immerse the listener into the themes of the album. The inspiration behind my style comes from many sources including Brutalism, religious iconography, and ukiyo-e concepts of The Floating World."

Listen to the full album below, on our YouTube channel and via all streaming platforms:


"MODERN RITES is a band who should be on the lips of anybody who even somewhat enjoys Black Metal with loads of spice, as well as those keen on excellently executed material that's as heavy as it is atmospheric." (No Clean Singing)

At the end of the year, Jonny now shares the band's plans for 2025 and his top 10 releases of 2024:

"The past year I've allowed myself space to experiment more with sound design. I've been finding inspiration in dark ambient and industrial hardcore lately, mostly listening and just absorbing why things work sonically. Having created a handful of ambient tracks and samples for dissecting the past few months, I plan to continue this exploration more this coming year and figure out ways to insert what I've learned into new MODERN RITES material. I am excited to continue working with Berg on what the next vision looks like for us. Thanks to everyone for your continued support!"

01. ALCEST "Les Chants de l'Aurore"
Beautiful atmospheres. I've been a long-time fan of this band, and their ability to evoke strong imagery is felt throughout this album.

02. LUSTMORD "Much Unseen Is Also Here"
I have been diving deeper into ambient music this past year and LUSTMORD is a true master of the genre. The dark, oppressive landscapes are peppered with poignant melodies that really draw me in and keep me coming back to uncover more of this world he's created.

03. VUUR & ZIJDE "Boezem"
After hearing them on a split record in 2020, I've been anticipating more from this band, and their full length this year did not disappoint. The combination of avant-garde chord progressions, melodic vocals, and pad-like tremolo-picked guitars create an immersive, swirling wall of sound that I quite enjoy.

04. PAYSAGE D'HIVER "Die Berge"
05. NECROWRETCH "Swords Of Dajjal"
06. ULCERATE "Cutting the Throat of God"
07. HERIOT "Devoured by the Mouth of Hell"
08. SAIDAN "Visual Kill: The Blossoming of Psychotic Depravity"
09. IHSAHN "Ihsahn"
10. HULDER "Verses in Oath"