Review CIRITH UNGOL ‘Dark Parade’

There are bands that have a legendary status. However, the metal community has a mixed opinion about these bands. Some idolize the group while others can’t handle the sound. Cirith Ungol is one of these bands.

Cirith Ungol had a first era in the 80’s where they created awesome albums like ‘Frost and Fire’ and ‘Paradise Lost’. It was epic US metal, which made many hearts beat faster. However, it was, among other things, the vocals of Tim Baker, the one or the other could not connect.

Unfortunately, the band stopped all activities at the beginning of the 90s, leaving behind albums that influenced the history of heavy metal. All the greater was the astonishment and delight when the band returned in 2016 and began their second era. Not only did Cirith Ungol played countless live shows, but the ‘Forver Black’ album in 2020 proved that the band was still a force to be reckoned with.

Three years later follows now ‘Dark Parade’. The sixth studio album of the five-piece from Ventura, California seamlessly follows the predecessor and impresses from beginning to end. Powerful epic heavy metal pours out of the speakers and creates a true feeling of happiness. Tim Baker brings his inimitable voice to full bloom and even if all participants, including the writer of these lines, have grown older, the magic of the Cirith Ungol sound remains.

There is, for example, the slower and extra-long ‘Sailor on the Seas of Fate’ which grinds powerfully into the ears of listeners. Clever breaks increase the listening pleasure and it is impressive with what ease the band comes up with such cinematic songs.

The title track is almost located in the doom zone, without lingering in snail’s pace.

The opener proves that Cirith Ungol can write good songs not only in moderate pace. ‘Velocity’, that means nomen et omen. Fast and melodic, the song pounds your ears and tempts you to headbang.
Epic it is, however, with ‘Distant Shadows’ while ‘Relentless’ comes up with some unexpected oriental elements. It was guitarist Jimmy Barraza who came up with this idea and what the guys made out of it fits perfectly to the sound of the band.

‘Dark Parade’ is another highlight in the history of a band that has always made brilliant music, but which was also missing the big step. Cirith Ungol are the heroes of the underground and the fact that quality prevails is beyond debate. ‘Dark Parade’ is a highlight of the year 2023 and for those who haven’t noticed it yet; the band can be experienced live on the stages of the world for the last time next year.