Indonesian progressive/sludge metal supergroup Ritus presents their debut EP »Ontran-Ontran«; available now on in digital format!

Pandaan, Indonesia based progressive/sludge metal band Ritus has released their debut EP »Ontran-Ontran« on March 23rd, 2025 via Frekuensi Records.

»Ontran-Ontran« EP is available now on Spotify and other digital streaming platforms!

Tracklist:
01. Amuk
02. Kultur Kanibalis
03. Malam Kultus Iblis
04. Maha Pralaya

From Myth to Mayhem, Ritus unleashes debut EP »Ontran-Ontran«!

Zelos, Martius, Limos, and Moros – the symbolic Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – have reemerged in a more aggressive and distorted incarnation. Now known as Ritus, this heavy/prog metal supergroup released their debut EP, »Ontran-Ontran«.

Under their label, Frekuensi Records, Ritus delivers four blistering tracks charged with distortion, raw emotion, and experimental harmony. Their sound channels a fierce, visceral energy rooted in dystopian storytelling – equal parts chaotic and deliberate.

That intensity isn’t accidental. Each member of Ritus brings serious pedigree from some of East Java’s most uncompromising underground acts, including Neurosesick, Strider, and Berbisa – names well-known among fans of aggressive music in and around Malang.

Ritus began around 2020 as a spontaneous project. It all started with a casual tweet from Anjar (Strider/Berbisa), who floated the idea of forming a progressive metal band. The tweet caught the attention of Fajar (Neurosesick), based in Tangerang, who responded with enthusiasm and eventually took on vocals and lyrics. With two tracks already in development, Anjar brought in Putra, his bandmate from Strider, on drums, and long-time friend Lutfi (Blastmind) on bass. While the trio began recording in Pandaan, East Java, Fajar contributed remotely from Banten.

Despite the geographical distance, the lineup clicked creatively – embodying the spirits of Zelos, Martius, Limos, and Moros: mythological archetypes symbolizing rivalry, war, famine, and fate. These personas became the thematic backbone of Ritus’ music. After recording wrapped, Fajar stepped down from the group, but his lyrics and distinctive vocals remain embedded in the DNA of »Ontran-Ontran«.

The EP’s title, »Ontran-Ontran«, is a Javanese term meaning uproar, chaos, or disorder – fitting for a release packed with sonic upheaval and sharp social commentary. The four tracks – »Amuk«, »Kultur Kanibalis«, »Malam Kultus Iblis«, and »Maha Pralaya« – weave together elements of heavy metal, groove, sludge, and progressive rock. Listeners will likely pick up on influences from Tool, Gojira, Ghost, Mastodon, and Kylesa.

Among the tracks, »Maha Pralaya« stands as the emotional and sonic centerpiece. Inspired by the concept of a massive apocalyptic end, the song follows a lone figure – a pawn in an end-time war – acting in the name of a higher cause. The track features a haunting guest performance by Winda Carmelita, whose ethereal vocals add emotional contrast and weight to the brutality.

The EP also features a guest appearance by Firlyano Fadly (Noose) on »Amuk«, bringing another layer to the band’s evolving sonic palette. Recording sessions took place at AA Studio with Gege Prasetya (Good Boy Jimmy), while mixing and mastering duties were handled by Rama Studio. The visual side of the EP was crafted by a talented creative team: Bagus Prasetyo for the cover art, Primadya Rahmat Hidayat for custom font design, and Uzed Pucatpena for layout and visual framing.

“This isn’t just about being heavy,” Anjar explains. “We want our music to feel like a ritual – abrasive and furious, but with clear intent.”

»Ontran-Ontran« is now available on all major streaming platforms. The physical edition will be released by Frekuensi Records during Malang Record Market, happening May 9–11, 2025.

Ritus consists of Zelos, Martius, Limos, and Moros.

“Ritus is a heavy-hitting force born out of chaos. This whole thing took shape around mid-2021, when the world was still off-balance, and nothing felt certain. Out of that noise, we started carving our identity – pulling from the raw aggression and weight of heavy, sludge, hardcore, and metal. This isn’t just a band. It’s a ritual abrasive but intentional, angry but with purpose.

There are four of us Zelos, Martius, Limos, and Moros. We didn’t come together to chase trends or play it safe. Each of our names carries something ancient conflict, hunger, war, fate. It’s not just for show; it’s a reflection of what drives the sound, the energy, the way we create.

We’re not here to be in the spotlight. We’re here to shape the shadows and in those shadows, something feral breathes.”

All songs by Ritus.
Lyrics written by Ritus.
Additional Female Vocal on »Maha Pralaya« by Winda Carmelita.
Additional Vocal on »Amuk« by Firlyano Fadly.
Recorded at AA Studio.
Recording by Gege Prasetya.
Mixed & mastered by Rama Studio.
Released & published by Frekuensi Records.
Cover artwork by Bagus Prasetyo.
Font by Primadya Rahmat Hidayat
Edit & Border by Uzed Pucatpena.

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well