RUIM
BLACK ROYAL SPIRITISM - I.O SINO DA IGREJA (TRANSPARENT RED VINYL)

RUÏM was formed in 2020 by the Norwegian born guitarist Blasphemer (Rune Eriksen), known from acts such as Vltimas & Mayhem. Joining Blasphemer on drums is French born drummer César Vesvre (Agressor, Thagirion). Driven by a firm desire to revisit the style of music he has dedicated himself to & been associated with since the mid 90´s & inspired by the rediscovery of a long lost tape of old, unused Mayhem-era riffs from 98/99, the concept of starting a new project based around these ideas manifested itself quickly. Soon, a new vision was born for an album immersed in Brazilian witchcraft & the left hand path of the Umbanda tradition - a practice in which Blasphemer himself is taught in - to deliver a new blackened opus in the vein Blasphemer has been synonymous with since his inception into Mayhem back in 1994 (until 2007). 

‘Black Royal Spiritism - I. O Sino da Igreja’ was RUÏM’s 2023 debut studio album, & subsequently became the recipient of the coveted Grammy Award in Norway. The album presented a glimpse of something new, unique, visionary & highly eclectic. This album marked the beginning of a concept set to span a trilogy of releases exploring & incorporating a deeply personal expression of Blasphemer’s own beliefs regarding the greater spirits of the left hand path. A pitch black offering, ‘Black Royal Spiritism’ is steeped in ominous & eerie, unnerving darkness. Each track is meticulously woven with a sinister undercurrent, given flesh by Blasphemer’s highly distinctive brutal riffing style, with atmospheric, ambient & clean passage interludes featuring among the chaos. 

Vocals on ‘Black Royal Spiritism - I. O Sino da Igreja’ were also handled by Blasphemer himself, sung in a mix of English, Portuguese & Norwegian, with lyrical themes rooted in a celebration & dedication to the lore & rituals of linha da esquerda. 

‘Black Royal Spiritism - I. O Sino da Igreja’ was recorded at Drudenhaus Studio in France & mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door. Presented on limited transparent red vinyl.