Rikets Return with 'Tales From The Construct AlphAA v.1' EP and Mark First Release in 16 Years

Cleveland metal/industrial band Rikets re-emerge with “Tales From The Construct AlphAA v.1”, a new EP scheduled for release on April 20, 2026 via Godsize Music.

The five-track release marks the band’s first new material since 2010, continuing the trajectory left by their full-length album “All American Death Cult” after a hiatus of nearly 16 years.

Produced by Rikets and Ben Schigel — whose credits include Chimaira, Drowning Pool and Walls of Jericho — and mixed at Spider Studios in Cleveland, Ohio, the EP reflects both continuity and evolution within the band’s sound.

The material was written during the COVID-19 lockdown period, addressing themes such as isolation, artificial intelligence, transhumanism and broader concerns around systemic control.

Musically, “Tales From The Construct AlphAA v.1” shifts toward a more synth-driven direction while maintaining the band’s foundation in metal and industrial influences. Tracks such as “Misery”, “Infected and Controlled” and “FEED” illustrate that balance between electronic textures and heavier elements.

The single “FEED” has already established a presence at radio, reaching #58 on active rock formats and maintaining chart visibility over several months.

The release also marks the band’s return to live performances, with a release show scheduled for April 18 at Globe Iron in Cleveland, Ohio, where physical copies of the EP will be available ahead of its official release.

TRACKLIST
1. System Boot: Action / Loosh
2. Infected and Controlled
3. FEED
4. Mama
5. Misery

The artwork for the EP was created by OMGXERO.

LINEUP
Scott Rose — Vocals, Guitars
Ben Schigel — Drums
Nic Bell — Bass
BG Simpson — Guitars
Trent Mercer — Guitars

Formed from the remnants of Switched and involving members connected to projects such as Erase The Grey, Left4Dead and Anchored, Rikets emerged in the mid-2000s with a hybrid approach combining metal, industrial elements and punk-driven intensity.

Their early momentum included touring cycles and exposure through outlets such as MTV, leading up to the release of “All American Death Cult” in 2010. Following that period, health issues and the demands of touring contributed to a prolonged hiatus.

With “Tales From The Construct AlphAA v.1”, Rikets reconnect with their earlier identity while introducing a more technologically influenced direction, marking a return that bridges past foundations with a renewed creative perspective.

Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist

Watch “FEED” below: