Death Waltz, in association with Lakeshore Records, is proud to bring you the score to The Ritual. The Ritual is part of the new wave of folk horror films (The VVitch, Midsommar) and drags its audience into darkness as four friends travel to Sweden to pay tribute to a fallen friend. As they descend deeper into the woods they discover strange symbols etched into trees, a gutted Elk, and an empty cabin filled with ritualistic artifacts. Someone (or something) is in the woods, watching over their every move, and a quiet creeping dread begins to descend on the party, eventually giving way to an all out attack on the senses as the film races toward its inevitable climax.

Ben Lovett’s score (featuring woodwinds, strings, and the occasional synth) captures the mood of the forest perfectly: this is a soundtrack that is both tribal and haunting. The score runs a range of emotions; one minute it is reflective and relaxed, the next sinister and terrifying. The Ritual is an absolutely essential work from one of the most exciting composers working today.