Cirith Ungol announce first album in 29 years, share "Legions Arise"
We recently mentioned we were anticipating the TBA first album in 29 years from hard rock/heavy metal legends Cirith Ungol, and today that album has officially been announced. It’s called Forever Black, and it comes out on April 24 via Metal Blade (pre-order). Cirith Ungol still sounded pretty badass on their recent live album, and new single “Legions Arise” proves they’ve still got it songwriting-wise too. It’s very much in the classic metal realm, but it’s also got a more modern-sounding evil-ness that finds the band taking a step forward and sounding fresh today. Listen below.
Here’s some more background on the band’s resurrection, via press release:
In late 2015, the sleeping giant awakened. The quartet of drummer Robert Garven, vocalist Tim Baker, and guitarists Greg Lindstrom and Jim Barraza began to knock the rust off and rediscover the magic. With Michael “Flint” Vujea unavailable to rejoin them on bass, Cirith Ungol recruited Night Demon bassist Jarvis Leatherby to fill that slot. As a seasoned musician, lifelong fan, and one of the driving forces to reanimate Cirith Ungol, Leatherby was the logical choice.
On October 8, 2016, Cirith Ungol officially returned to the stage by headlining the Frost and Fire II festival at the Majestic Ventura Theater, playing to a packed house of metal fans and friends who had converged in the band’s hometown of Ventura, California to witness the Kings of the Dead rise from the grave. In the ensuing years, Cirith Ungol have held fast to their objective to bring their music to as many fans around the world as possible, performing select high-profile festival gigs spanning North America, Europe and South America.
Cirith Ungol also have shows coming up, including a headlining slot at Maryland Doom Fest. All dates are listed below.
Tracklist
1. The Call
2. Legions Arise
3. The Frost Monstreme
4. The Fire Divine
5. Stormbringer
6. Fractus Promissum
7. Nightmare
8. Before Tomorrow
9. Forever Black
Cirith Ungol — 2020 Tour Dates
April 24-25 – Lauda Konigshoffen, Germany – Keep It True (headlining both nights)
May 9 – Plozevet, Brittany, France – Courts of Chaos Festival (headliner)
June 6 – Leon, Mexico – Candelabrum Metal Fest (headliner)
June 20 – Baltimore, MD – Maryland Doom Fest (headliner)
June 26 – Madrid, Spain – Rock the Night Festival
