Deadland Ritual


Deadland Ritual is an English-American hard rock band. Formed in Los Angeles, California in 2018, the band is a supergroup composed of vocalist Franky Perez, guitarist Steve Stevens, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Matt Sorum. Originally formed by Sorum, the group took shape with the addition of Perez and Stevens, and was finalised once Butler agreed to complete the lineup. Deadland Ritual released its first single "Down in Flames" in December 2018.

History

2018–present: formation and debut single

The formation of Deadland Ritual was first announced on December 3, 2018, when the band's members began posting teasers of new music on their social media pages. Drummer Matt Sorum initially conceived the band by enlisting vocalist Franky Perez and guitarist Steve Stevens, with former Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler brought in later. The drummer also came up with the name of the band, which is said to "reflect the idea of a ritualistic dead space". The band released its debut single and music video, "Down in Flames", a week later. The track was produced by Greg Fidelman. Revolver magazine's Kelsey Chapstick categorised the song as "heavy, bluesy rock", outlining that it "carries the sinister, devilish tones trademarked by Butler, but the exultant vocal performance by Perez and groove-laden syncopations of Sorum lend a distinctly contemporary hard-rock feel". Ryan Reed for Rolling Stone described the track as "a brooding blues-rock epic". Deadland Ritual played their first live shows in 2019, appearing at Download Festival in the UK and Hellfest in France, both in June. However, the band's debut was performed at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA on May 28, 2019.

Band members

Main members

Singles