Clockwise from top: Mike Maksim (vocals), Chris
Sickels (guitar), Ted Donovon (drums), Troy
Rippengale (bass)
Biography
Tragic Ritual is an experimental rock band originating
from San Diego, CA. Our music has been described as powerfully emotional,
progressive, innovative heavy rock with tribal and gothic overtones.
We are known for presenting our unique music in a mesmerizing live
show.
The band was formed in 1998 out of desire to create
intense and meaningful music while portraying lyrical truths. The
members consist of Chris Sickels on Guitar, Mike Maksim on vocals,
Ted Donovon on Drums, and Troy Rippengale on Bass Guitar. Together
we form a sonic circle of sound and soul.
Press
" Their live show is a must see, as they create a mellow
vibe with candles then crush all your feelings with their heavy music. " -
Bandconnexion.com
" We're all climbing the walls with the radio
on and the curtains drawn. We're trapped in the belly of the beast
and the beast is bleeding to death. Come calm us with the ritualistic
sounds of a tragic world. Tragic Ritual, thank you for taking me
to a darker place. " - Rich DuCharme, Drivepin
" I walked in on Tragic Ritual mid-set ... I found
a band whose music was heavy but very emotional and melodic, something
a lot of hard alternative rock acts don't successfully
pull off because their singer doesn't know how to express his anger,
suffering and other dark thoughts in anything but screams and shouts.
Not the case for Tragic Ritual's Mike Maksim who, although not immune
to an occasional gut-wrenching cry, has a solid voice and isn't afraid
to sing ... His tone and earnest performance brang to mind Cold's
frontman Scooter ... their expressive
lyrics, good guitar hooks, appropriate placement of effects, and
bottom-heavy bass made them my pick of the night. " - Amber Shaffer,
SDAM.com
" ...madness! " - Hilary, DJ on 91X/San Diego
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