One of the great cult LA bands from the mid-eighties, Cirith
Ungol forged a unique blend of semi-doom metal, topped off by the
unique, raspy vocals of Tim Baker, one of those love-him-or-hate-him
singers that provided the band the necessary stamp of originality
that carried them throughout their career.
Of the four albums released in their heyday, the middle two,
King Of The Dead and
One Foot In Hell are the best
representation of the band, with the debut being slightly less
heavy and the last album (Paradise Lost) finding the band a little
bit short on new ideas.
The band broke up in May of 1992 following the departure of
guitarist Jim Barraza, but most of the guys, including Barraza,
regrouped in 2015.
Though never attaining superstar status, they've maintained a solid
career and their place in metal history is secure.
Recent album: Dark Parade,
released on October 20, 2023.
