The Ritual was the last studio album to include drummer Louie Clemente, and also guitarist Alex Skolnick's last album until he rejoined the band in 2005. On the record, Testament began exploring a more slower and melodic approach while still maintaining their thrash roots.
Reception
The album was a minor success, making it to #55 on the Billboard 200. This would be Testament's highest position in their career, until 2012's Dark Roots of Earth, which reached number twelve on the same chart. The record also spawned the band's only charting single "Return to Serenity", which reached number 22 on Mainstream Rock Tracks. As of June 2007, The Ritual had sold 485,000 copies in the U.S, 15,000 short of Gold Certification.[2]
Shawn Crosby - additional vocals (as stated in the album's liner notes)
William Benson - Album cover artwork
Production
Arranged by Testament
Produced and recorded by Tony Platt
Recorded at One on One Studios; assisted by Ulrich Wild
Mixed by Nigel Green at Battery Studios
Assistant Mix Engineer: Sarah Bedingham
Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound
"Signs of Chaos", "Electric Crown" and "Deadline" published by COTLOD Music/Zomba Enterprises, Inc. All other songs published by COTLOD Music/Zomba Enterprises, Inc./Mamatoneck Music/Virgin Songs, Inc.
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