Ragana

Released in 2012, All’s Lost is the debut album from Ragana, the Olympia, Washington-based duo of Maria and Nicole. The record is a raw, visceral exploration of doom, sludge, and black-metal-inspired atmospheres, infused with ritualistic, almost witchy textures that set it apart from typical underground metal releases.

From the opening riffs of B.N.F. the album immediately establishes its dense, hypnotic intensity. Ragana’s approach is deliberately lo-fi, with production that enhances the raw power of their sound rather than smoothing it out. The combination of heavy, distorted bass riffs, sludgy guitar textures, and pounding, often minimalistic drums creates a sonic weight that is both oppressive and mesmerizing.

Vocally, the duo alternates between screamed passages, whispered chants, and melodic intonations, adding a dynamic emotional range across the album. Tracks like 666 and All’s Lost exemplify this balance, blending ritualistic repetition with moments of explosive catharsis. The music often feels like a ceremonial experience, drawing the listener into its immersive, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

While the album’s brevity (around 27 minutes) and sparse arrangements might challenge listeners seeking more conventional song structures or polished production, these qualities are integral to the album’s identity. All’s Lost thrives on immediacy, atmosphere, and intensity, making every riff, drum hit, and vocal moment feel deliberate and impactful.

All’s Lost is both a declaration of intent and a masterclass in minimal, immersive extreme music. It introduces Ragana as a band unafraid to merge raw heaviness with ritualistic atmosphere, establishing a foundation for their later explorations into doom, sludge, and experimental metal.