Acquired taste? Tim Baker rules! First time I heard "Atom Smasher" back in 1985 my jaw dropped, and I've never not LOVED this band. Metalhead indeed 🤟😉
I haven't heard this yet but I for one fucking love this band! There is only one Tim Baker. It wouldn't be Cirith Ungol without his voice. The band is great too.
Necrotic Nick- I really dug the music. There's killer riffs and bad ass leads on every track on here but the vocals were tough for me to get past. Different strokes for different folks though.
When Forever Black came out back in 2020, Peter Pardo from Sea of Tranquility and Brian Slagel from Metal Blade recorded a video where they ranked Cirith Ungol albums!!!
Nice review Nick! One of my fave bands and I love Tim's vocals but I get why some folks don't. For a different take on the album, Kellen and I will review this over on his channel, KILLING FOR COMPANY, in the near future.
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! Yeah, I've always been meaning to check out more by this band but never got much past the demo collection I have. I can definitely see why people love them. The riffs and leads are solid as hell on this one but I also can see where the vocals might put some people off. I'll have to check out you and Kellen's review when it drops. I might get a bit more perspective on the band.
@@thrallsofmetal I like that demo collection but it is tough to get a feel for the band since those demos span about 30 years. If you ever want to check out more of their stuff 'King of the Dead' is probably the best starting point; it'll definitely give you their 'main' sound. the new album is slower and doomier overall than most of their material.
I remember this band from my high school days. First time I heard them was in 1984. King of the Dead. I’m surprised they are still playing. I also remember their 1986 release, One Foot in Hell. After that, I got lost in the thrash/ death metal world, lol. Good to see you are reviewing them. 🤘🎸
Necrotic Nick- I've known about these guys for years through that demo collection I have but that really didn't make me want to look into them more. I do want to check out their earlier stuff since people speak so highly of it but it's gonna be tough getting past those vocals.
An excellent classic band & a better jumping on point would be Forever Black, which song for song is a better listen. On the vocals note, think thrash metal singing, overall & just burn a doobie down & let the music take you away like any old school vinyl. Salute to the Thralls boys!
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! Yeah, I might have to check that one out next. I want to give this band some more chances but those vocals are going to be hard to get past. They do have some killer riffs though and the lead play is exceptional so in time I'll check out more.
I think that return album is the place to start, sir. The lead in from intro to 1st song is a good template if you’ll enjoy & think… say Ozzy meets Anthrax for Singing
I always kinda associate them with Manila Road. These larger than life, whimsical. Fantastical, metal bands that stayed under the radar for whatever reason.
I dug this and I can't member if I've listened ago any of their earlier stuff. I can believe these guts have been around since the year I was born, lol!
So when are we going to do the headache inducing chore of our best of 2023 lists? So much good shit came out this year and as per usual you guys turned me on to a lot of great music
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, these dudes have been a mainstay in the metal underground for years. Yeah, I'll probably start in with the lists about mid December. I have the long task of trimming down this list I already have too. Ugh lol.
They are a band I respect for their impact on the underground metal scene. However I struggle to enjoy their music because of Tim Baker’s voice. I do like his vocals on Forever Black and Dark Parade as they’re not as pitchy and screechy as they were back in the 80s but I hate his vocals on the first 4 albums. I have actually made instrumental versions of their first 4 albums so I can enjoy their music without any vocals. Because I think the music is great, especially on King of the Dead and One Foot in Hell. And they were hugely influential to great modern bands like Eternal Champion, Visigoth and Megaton Sword so full credit to them for that. While I prefer Manilla Road I have a lot of respect for Cirith Ungol.
Necrotic Nick- I would definitely agree with that. There's a fair amount of bands that while I'm really that into them I respect what they've done for the metal scene as a whole and Cirith Ungol definitely has my respect. I still haven't listened to their other albums but the demo collection I have does have those vocal issues you mentioned. I do really like the music though. The guitar work in particular especially the leads but the vocals really make it hard to go back and listen to the album. I can definitely heard their influence all over metal in their style though. Maybe it'll click one day but that's going to be tough one.
I love death metal fan’s criticism of Tims vocals as if a shrieking banshee is any more annoying to the average human than the grunts of a gorilla.I love death metal lol and also Cirith Ungol and Manila Road
Necrotic Nick- Honestly, it depends of the style of music that the vocals are a part of. I wouldn't want like Suffocation growls on a more classic, Iron Maiden sounding style of heavy metal. If there's going to be a big focus on melody and harmonies in that style the vocals should kinda line up with that. When I hear out of key vocals over melodic riffs it tens to put me off. Still, these dudes definitely still have a lot to offer in the riff department so it wasn't all bad here.
While i like this more than you did,i do get your criticism on Tim's vocals. They are definitely an acquired taste, but they do grow on you over time. Maybe their previous album Forever Black will be more to your taste, as his voice doesnt seem as harsh on that one.
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, I was looking around at reviews and write ups on previous albums and I noticed a common theme with the criticisms about the vocals. It really is one of those bands where the vocals are kinda divisive with people. I've heard that the previous album might be in the comments already so that might be where I jump back on.
You aren't wrong about the vocals, but I really feel like he's singing better than ever on this record. Compared to Frost And Fire where he sounded like a screeching maniac.
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, I noticed a big point of contention with this band has always been the vocals and I can definitely see this band being a love them or hate them kinda band. I still want to jam some of those earlier albums just to get a better feel of the band but I'm not in a huge hurry to do so.
@@thrallsofmetalGive it about 5 days, and 2 hours 12 minutes. You should be ready to checkout One Foot in Hell, and Paradise Lost. If those two albums don't do it, then it's only downhill from there
Necrotic Nick- I've definitely heard of them just in terms of older metal bands that influenced a ton of other bands out there but this was the first time I'd ever sat down and jammed a studio album of theirs.
Please start with "King of the Dead" (1984), jump to the epic song "Witch's Grail" (2018), and then lean into the "Forever Black" album (2020). Their other albums are only decent. What I just mentioned are the essentials.
Necrotic Nick- 100% agreed. I know plenty of people who say Dave's vocals ruin Megadeth for them but I happen to like them so it's all a matter of personal preference there.
Necrotic Nick- I'm not really a big screamo fan at all so I don't think I'd bee the best judge when it comes down to that. Thanks for the recommendation though.
Tim's vocals are actually what has always set them apart. Hopefully with more listens this becomes more apparent. Thanx for the review!!!
You may never appreciate the vocals, but I think they're one of those legacy acts that deserve a trip through the catalogue at least once.
Acquired taste? Tim Baker rules! First time I heard "Atom Smasher" back in 1985 my jaw dropped, and I've never not LOVED this band.
Metalhead indeed 🤟😉
I haven't heard this yet but I for one fucking love this band! There is only one Tim Baker. It wouldn't be Cirith Ungol without his voice. The band is great too.
Necrotic Nick- I really dug the music. There's killer riffs and bad ass leads on every track on here but the vocals were tough for me to get past. Different strokes for different folks though.
They just got announced for Hells Hero 6 so at least ill be able to see them live before they retire
When Forever Black came out back in 2020, Peter Pardo from Sea of Tranquility and Brian Slagel from Metal Blade recorded a video where they ranked Cirith Ungol albums!!!
Nice review Nick! One of my fave bands and I love Tim's vocals but I get why some folks don't. For a different take on the album, Kellen and I will review this over on his channel, KILLING FOR COMPANY, in the near future.
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! Yeah, I've always been meaning to check out more by this band but never got much past the demo collection I have. I can definitely see why people love them. The riffs and leads are solid as hell on this one but I also can see where the vocals might put some people off. I'll have to check out you and Kellen's review when it drops. I might get a bit more perspective on the band.
@@thrallsofmetal I like that demo collection but it is tough to get a feel for the band since those demos span about 30 years. If you ever want to check out more of their stuff 'King of the Dead' is probably the best starting point; it'll definitely give you their 'main' sound. the new album is slower and doomier overall than most of their material.
I saw them a few nights ago in Los Angeles. They played all of this album and another set of hits. It was fucking insane!!! Good review brother!
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! Sounds like you got a killer show out of them.
I personally love Tim's vocals and this band but its easy to see how they're not everyone's thing. Killer review as always
I remember this band from my high school days. First time I heard them was in 1984. King of the Dead. I’m surprised they are still playing. I also remember their 1986 release, One Foot in Hell. After that, I got lost in the thrash/ death metal world, lol. Good to see you are reviewing them. 🤘🎸
Necrotic Nick- I've known about these guys for years through that demo collection I have but that really didn't make me want to look into them more. I do want to check out their earlier stuff since people speak so highly of it but it's gonna be tough getting past those vocals.
God I haven't heard them in years. I remember them from the early to mid 80s King Of The Dead album.
Necrotic Nick- Outside of the demo collection I have this is my first real exposure to an actual album of theirs.
An excellent classic band & a better jumping on point would be Forever Black, which song for song is a better listen.
On the vocals note, think thrash metal singing, overall & just burn a doobie down & let the music take you away like any old school vinyl.
Salute to the Thralls boys!
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! Yeah, I might have to check that one out next. I want to give this band some more chances but those vocals are going to be hard to get past. They do have some killer riffs though and the lead play is exceptional so in time I'll check out more.
I think that return album is the place to start, sir. The lead in from intro to 1st song is a good template if you’ll enjoy & think… say Ozzy meets Anthrax for Singing
I always kinda associate them with Manila Road. These larger than life, whimsical. Fantastical, metal bands that stayed under the radar for whatever reason.
Necrotic Nick- I'd definitely put them in the category as well. Another band that I've dug the music but the vocals are really hit or miss for me.
Manilla Road's killer. I personally like Mark(the shark)Shelton's vocals and guitar playing (RIP).
@@wc1994 yea they are two different killer bands. It’s more of a “criminally underrated,” similarity I meant 🤘🏽
Been a fan of Cirith Ungol since 2020 with their return cd "Forever Black".
Necrotic Nick- Still haven't checked out that one. I do want to check out the earlier stuff at some point.
@@thrallsofmetal Recommend all of them.
I dug this and I can't member if I've listened ago any of their earlier stuff. I can believe these guts have been around since the year I was born, lol!
So when are we going to do the headache inducing chore of our best of 2023 lists? So much good shit came out this year and as per usual you guys turned me on to a lot of great music
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, these dudes have been a mainstay in the metal underground for years. Yeah, I'll probably start in with the lists about mid December. I have the long task of trimming down this list I already have too. Ugh lol.
I dig this album a lot, including the vocals. It’s at least 4 stars for me.
They are a band I respect for their impact on the underground metal scene. However I struggle to enjoy their music because of Tim Baker’s voice. I do like his vocals on Forever Black and Dark Parade as they’re not as pitchy and screechy as they were back in the 80s but I hate his vocals on the first 4 albums. I have actually made instrumental versions of their first 4 albums so I can enjoy their music without any vocals. Because I think the music is great, especially on King of the Dead and One Foot in Hell. And they were hugely influential to great modern bands like Eternal Champion, Visigoth and Megaton Sword so full credit to them for that. While I prefer Manilla Road I have a lot of respect for Cirith Ungol.
Necrotic Nick- I would definitely agree with that. There's a fair amount of bands that while I'm really that into them I respect what they've done for the metal scene as a whole and Cirith Ungol definitely has my respect. I still haven't listened to their other albums but the demo collection I have does have those vocal issues you mentioned. I do really like the music though. The guitar work in particular especially the leads but the vocals really make it hard to go back and listen to the album. I can definitely heard their influence all over metal in their style though. Maybe it'll click one day but that's going to be tough one.
I love death metal fan’s criticism of Tims vocals as if a shrieking banshee is any more annoying to the average human than the grunts of a gorilla.I love death metal lol and also Cirith Ungol and Manila Road
Necrotic Nick- Honestly, it depends of the style of music that the vocals are a part of. I wouldn't want like Suffocation growls on a more classic, Iron Maiden sounding style of heavy metal. If there's going to be a big focus on melody and harmonies in that style the vocals should kinda line up with that. When I hear out of key vocals over melodic riffs it tens to put me off. Still, these dudes definitely still have a lot to offer in the riff department so it wasn't all bad here.
@@thrallsofmetal Oh his voice is a squired taste for sure allot like Manila Road but they are also iconic imop
While i like this more than you did,i do get your criticism on Tim's vocals. They are definitely an acquired taste, but they do grow on you over time. Maybe their previous album Forever Black will be more to your taste, as his voice doesnt seem as harsh on that one.
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, I was looking around at reviews and write ups on previous albums and I noticed a common theme with the criticisms about the vocals. It really is one of those bands where the vocals are kinda divisive with people. I've heard that the previous album might be in the comments already so that might be where I jump back on.
Consistantly killer thru the years.
Necrotic Nick- I don't know. I'm going to have to check out more by them but I do love the riff work.
You aren't wrong about the vocals, but I really feel like he's singing better than ever on this record. Compared to Frost And Fire where he sounded like a screeching maniac.
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, I noticed a big point of contention with this band has always been the vocals and I can definitely see this band being a love them or hate them kinda band. I still want to jam some of those earlier albums just to get a better feel of the band but I'm not in a huge hurry to do so.
@@thrallsofmetalGive it about 5 days, and 2 hours 12 minutes. You should be ready to checkout One Foot in Hell, and Paradise Lost. If those two albums don't do it, then it's only downhill from there
Gonna be my first parade too, I’ve never heard of this band.
Necrotic Nick- I've definitely heard of them just in terms of older metal bands that influenced a ton of other bands out there but this was the first time I'd ever sat down and jammed a studio album of theirs.
Please start with "King of the Dead" (1984), jump to the epic song "Witch's Grail" (2018), and then lean into the "Forever Black" album (2020). Their other albums are only decent. What I just mentioned are the essentials.
Great comparison to Snake in acquired taste.
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, I know there's a lot of people that aren't fans of his vocals but I dig them so I can see it being the same way for Cirith Ungol.
Dave Mustaine vocals have an Acquired taste too.
Necrotic Nick- 100% agreed. I know plenty of people who say Dave's vocals ruin Megadeth for them but I happen to like them so it's all a matter of personal preference there.
pls can you guys at least check Dreamwell -In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You. That's probably the best post-hardcore/screamo album this year
Necrotic Nick- I'm not really a big screamo fan at all so I don't think I'd bee the best judge when it comes down to that. Thanks for the recommendation though.