CIRITH UNGOL
Half Past Human
(Metal Blade Records)
21:45min

After last year’s amazing return with the full-length “Forever Black”, the 4 tracks in this EP show that CIRITH UNGOL are not only back but very much alive and kicking. Something that can surely be said about them: they still totally sound CIRITH UNGOL! The line-up includes a good chunk of older members and, of course, the unmistakable voice of Tim Baker, having lost none of its tone and performance, truly brings the old spirit to life. Even the production, while benefiting from modern capabilities, takes none of that killer 80s edge away. The songs are a wonder to listen to, still firmly rooted in their 70s Rock influence but with all the added weight of their own brand of Heavy Metal, consolidated throughout four classic albums spanning a decade. The strength of their riffs remains formidable, their personality and quality intact; and that in itself, three decades later, is remarkable. Being an EP, it does feel too short, but the truth is there is plenty to take in. Powerful choruses, from the near-hysteria of ‘Route 666’ to the bursts of ‘Brutish Manchild’, together with the exquisite wanderings of the string instruments and the solid backing of the drums. From the opening song (a reworking of an original from their 1978 demo!) you’re in for a great true US Power Metal experience. The title track ends this journey in a slower pace, but full of epic majesty; its astounding guitar work and climactic finale bode well for the future of a legendary band whose second coming lives up to the best expectations. More about CIRITH UNGOL at www.facebook.com/cirithungolofficial, label contact: www.facebook.com/metalbladerecords

Ricardo Campos

Ricardo Campos

Sorry, comments are closed!