Review by Rick Eaglestone for MPM
There is a bittersweet twist with Cirith Ungol’s newest album Dark Parade as it was announced very recently that would in fact the final time, we hear from this 5 piece in a live capacity as they have announced they will no longer be touring from 2024.
With that being said, the albums opener the piercing Velocity (S.E.P) is a clear signal of intent with a clear direction into the past but with one leather studded glove very much into the future and as the album moves into the sweeping Relentless blends Mercyful Fate with a middle eastern flair – easily the highlight of the album for me.
Sailors on the Seas of Fate brings a mellow touch but also commanding doom basslines and an almost spoken world style of vocal before Sacrifice rips through with a lurking presence.
Up next is Looking Glass beginning a conceptual four-song sequence that runs for the album’s duration introducing listeners to the concept and vision via the title track The Dark Parade via a visceral and poignant presentation that leaves little room for happy endings.
The other part is concept is weaved within Distant Shadows which is a darkened tale which also finally shrugs of the band Fantasy Inspired pigeonhole demonstrating at their very core that they play heavy metal in its purest form.
Concluding offering comes in the form of Down Below which is flooded with haunting foreshadowing’s and no indication of finality so hopefully there will be a time is the future where this album can be expanded and elaborated – I for one would certainly look forward to that.
“Dark Parade” Track listing.
- Velocity (S.E.P)
- Relentless
- Sailors on the Seas of Fate
- Sacrifice
- Looking Glass
- Dark Parade
- Distant Shadows
- Down Below
Line-up:
Tim Baker – vocals
Jimmy Barraza – guitar
Greg Lindstrom – guitar
Rob Garven – drums
Jarvis Leatherby – bass
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7/10
