REVIEW: CIRITH UNGOL – DARK PARADE

The veteran Ventura visionaries of true metal are back to show the up-and-comers in the scene how it’s done with another strong record that cements their renaissance.

Cirith Ungol is a pioneering force in the world of underground metal. They cemented their place in the lexicon with a series of groundbreaking releases followed by nearly 25 years of dormancy which only added to their legend and mystique. The band returned without losing a step in 2016 and released their comeback record, Forever Black in 2020. After being heavily restricted by the harsh events of that year and those that followed, the band is ready for another round with their latest effort, Dark Parade. Let’s give it the breakdown:

1. Velocity (S.E.P.) pulls us immediately into the sinister and magical realm where Cirith Ungol most effectively works their spellcraft. It’s a fast-paced track but it still finds time to build some atmosphere. The guitar sound is absolutely massive here, showing that a band born and bred in the underground can still benefit from a quality production. This is an effective opening statement that reminds me of Black Sabbath coming out of the gates swinging with Neon Knights on the Heaven & Hell album.

2. Relentless keeps up the momentum with crunchy riffing leading us into a quality mid-tempo stomper. Tasty lead guitars are a nice anchor to the action and the scales evoke an ancient, almost Bronze Aged ambience. This track may be slower than what preceded it but Cirith Ungol are seen as such a strong force due to the ease at which they can switch between writing faster face melters or more deliberate tales like this track.

3. Sailor on the Seas of Fate dials back the speed even further for a monolith of a song. This one has the band taking its time to build an aural landscape for you to lose yourself in. It’s a slower journey but very worth it. Some organ comes in to the track to add to the vibe and it’s icing on the primordial cake being prepared here. This is a welcome slice of doom done right by pioneers of the genre.

4. Sacrifice begins with an unexpected flamenco guitar intro leading into heavy riffing. These riffs are punctuated by fiery leads as well as return appearances from the flamenco guitar heard in the intro. It’s an interesting combination that freshens things up. An absolutely ripping solo carries us towards the finish line of this roaring monstrosity.

5. Looking Glass picks things up with faster chugging and the wailing screams of Tim Baker before settling into a rhythm where the guitars of Jimmy Barraza and Greg Lindstrom take center stage. The solo work in the middle of this track is an absolute triumph. It all builds into a strong climax with all of the previously mentioned elements bringing things to a worthy conclusion.

6. Dark Parade stays in a similar zone with titanic riffing punctuated by those tortured vocals. The steady and almost meditative pacing gives the band a canvas to explore the dark leitmotifs that are presented. A killer time change comes into play part way through and breaks up the pacing nicely before some soloing closes the track out.

7. Distant Shadows freshens things up with a bit more melody and some twin guitar harmonies. Just like in the previous tracks, Cirith Ungol is giving themselves enough room to play without taking too damned long to get to the point, which is a common trap many bands can find themselves in when they lack proper restraint. The clean guitars that play us out then take us directly into the final track…

8. Down Below begins with the acoustic guitars still playing the final notes from the previous track. The vocals then bring us right back into the arcane madness. Everything the album has been building to comes to a head. The deliberate riffing, old-school yet undeniably adept lead guitar work, piercing vocals, and brooding atmosphere come together for one last hurrah on what might be the band’s final album. It’s an undeniable and fitting closer.

Wrapping Up:

Cirith Ungol roars out of the chasm from whence they came with another strong offering for fans of all that is mighty and true. The band’s consistency is truly commendable. One factor that cannot be slept on is that Tim Baker’s vocals have not lost a single step, creating a continuity that some other bands are unable to achieve throughout their careers. He belongs in the halls alongside the likes of Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson for having a voice that’s barely aged. If anything his voice is even more consistent than most. It’s unique, unmistakable, and a key to the band’s identity. The guitars really shine as well with plenty of room to shred between the two axemen. Jarvis Leatherby of Night Demon fame does an admirable job holding down the low end with founding member Robert Garven pounding away at the skins. The band even made sure to use another wonderful portrait of iconic fantasy antihero Elric of Melniboné done by the legendary Michael Whelan. The only knock I do have against this record is that once they find their deliberate pace, the band stays there without much deviation.

Soon after this album was revealed, guitar player Jimmy Barraza had to leave the band due to ongoing health issues. Then the band made the unfortunate announcement that this upcoming tour through 2024 would be their last. If Dark Parade is their last will and testament, it’s hard to think of a better way to ride off into the sunset on your own terms. If you care about traditional metal, epic soundscapes and heavy servings of doom, then this one cannot be missed.