Image courtesy artist

London outfit RITUAL is launching into the weekend with an emotional new single "Drown the Lovers."

It's a gripping offering, accompanied by a moody set of visuals directed by Jackson Ducasse. It also marks the band's first effort with songstress Mononoke joining vocalist Gerard O'Connell.

“We wrote 'Drown The Lovers' as a kind of fantasy idea," the four-piece said in a statement. "To say, 'Lets forget everything that's gone before, all the heartaches and trauma we've been through in past relationships and love like we've never hurt.'" They add: "There's a beauty and innocence in first love that you can never get back."

The once-trio comprised of O'Connell, Adam Gross and Tommy Baxter has also previously had success in songwriting, most recently penning Dua Lipa’s standout "Hotter Than Hell."

"Drown the Lovers" is the first in a series of releases from RITUAL, all leading up to their full project, No Escape Out of Time, which is expected later this year.

Hear the song below.