"Ritual" is the second studio album by British post-punk revival band White Lies. It was first released on 17 January 2011 and includes the singles "Bigger Than Us", "Strangers", and "Holy Ghost". The album was produced by Alan Moulder, a renowned name in the production industry who has worked with several famous artists like Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
"Ritual" marked a notable progression in the band's sound from their debut album, "To Lose My Life..." Incorporating synthesisers and beats, the band ventured into synth-pop and dance-punk, expanding their sonic palette and demonstrating their evolution as a musical unit.
Critical reception to the album was mixed to positive. Some critics lauded the band's more expansive, synth-driven sound, while others felt the album was too derivative of other artists in the post-punk and new wave genres. Despite the mixed critical outlook, "Ritual" performed well commercially, peaking at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart, a testament to the band's growing popularity at the time. The album's lyrical themes primarily revolve around love, death, faith, and fear, presenting a sombre yet enticing vibe.
