"[7] In an interview on April 10, 2017, Howorth said the sound of the Ritual has more serious themes, "Stylistically, I think we went a little bit more raw, you know—like, not so much campiness like 'Sex Metal Barbie.
"[9] Sonically, the electronic elements found in the previous two albums, typical of industrial metal are less prominent with a greater presence of guitars.
The band's main songwriters—Brink, Howorth, and Kevin Churko collaborated with other writers from outside their usual lyric-pool to expand the influences, such as Scott Stevens and Dave Bassett, as was recommended by the label.
[18] The set consisted mostly of their previous efforts, Blood and Black Widow, while also debuting three new songs from Ritual, including "River of Fire", a cover of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight", and the lead single "Oh Lord".
[24] The album's fourth and final single, "Black Wedding" (featuring Rob Halford of Judas Priest), was released on April 27, 2018, along with a music video.
[25][26] James Christopher Monger of AllMusic wrote that "[Brink] possesses one of the most powerful and compelling voices, male or female, in the modern rock genre.
[27] Ray Horn Jr.of Blabbermouth.net noted "pop and electronic [elements]" and a "perpetual theme of repent and deliverance...[that] is still too inherently dark to cross over to FM.
The vocal effects on some of the tracks could be dialed back to allow that force to break free more often instead of being diluted"[33] while Metal Hammer compares the album to the band's live theatrical shows, saying "feels like it's been created as the soundtrack to In This Moment's eye-popping Lady Gaga-meets-Rob Zombie live shows rather than a standalone album" and that it's "best enjoyed with moving images".
From their loud and joyous instrumentation, to Brink’s vocal inflection that lures listeners in, In This Moment still give off a work that is different, energetic, and fun.
"[30] Simon K. writing for Sputnikmusic called Ritual "a heavy pop album with none of the great vocal performances to back it up.