In 1999 this Dutch Black Metal horde already released its debut “Onwards To The Spectral Defile” through Osmose Productions, which I unfortunately missed out on. But judging them by their new offering “Unveiling The Essence”, the band should easily be able to finally establish themselves in the underground scene. Their material partly reminds me on a more intense version of Germany’s DESASTER, as CIRITH GORGOR also incorporate lots of old Thrash Metal riffing in their songwriting. But while DESASTER nowadays are more of a blackened Thrash Metal band, CIRITH GORGOR is kinda like the opposite – a thrashin’ Black Metal inferno! Certain riffs and their guitarsound in general, as well as parts of the vocal delivery are still quite similar though. The seven featured tracks (plus short instrumental outro) on “Unveiling The Essence” are mainly performed in a very furious, extreme raw manner and often come up with kinda weird drum rhythms. The band’s songwriting generally sounds very refreshing as they luckily managed to create their overall devastating atmosphere without using tons of wimpy keyboards, violins or female vocals. This is nothing but pure hatefilled Metal from start to finish! I’m not sure if they will ever really manage to close the gap of IMMORTAL and MARDUK (who both have left Osmose Productions by now), but their fans should at least give CIRITH GORGOR a listen as well. You might be positively surprised!