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CIRITH UNGOL: HALF PAST HUMAN

 CIRITH UNGOL: HALF PAST HUMAN

   After their triumphant awakening from near three decades of slumber with the release of 2020's spectacular full-length album Forever Black, lords of underground Heavy Metal Cirith Ungol deliver to the hungry hoards another taste of epic Metal with a follow up EP, Half Past Human. Consisting of 4 old Cirith Ungol gems mined from the vaults and re-recorded with modern methods and means, Half Past Human is a tasty morsel that will satisfy the appetites for all things heavy during this interval between full-length releases. 
   Being that Half Past Human is comprised of older material, it is to be expected that the overall sound and sense is firmly rooted in the Cirith Ungol style of their earlier Frost And Fire era, which is measurably less Doom leaning and noticeably far more traditionally Heavy Metal in nature. In terms of production the EP is flawless, with a crisp and clear sound courtesy of bassist Jarvis Leatherby and Armand John Anthony in the producer's chairs.
   Blazing across the Heavy Metal horizon, opening number "Route 666" is a mid-paced marvel, characterised by deep groovy bass, rough and raw buzzing riffs, duelling Sabbath inspired guitar solos and Tim Baker's echoey spectral vocals. With a mixture of early Iron Maiden vibes and epic Doom infused Heavy Metal, "Shelob's Lair" is a deeply layered mid pace bruiser packed with killer solos and weighty riffs. A touch more on the progressive side while still packing plenty of thick riffs, epic leads and galloping melodies, "Brutish Manchild" neatly juxtaposes the grand finale of title track "Half Past Human". The closing spectacle, which clocks in at over 7 minutes long is certainly an epic ending to this neat EP, with its gentle and mournful intro of acoustic, bass and scratchy reverberating guitars, "Half Past Human" is a distinctly Doomy and atmospheric track which is the slowest paced song of the EP, but still plays host to some phenomenal guitar work and twin lead harmonies. 
   Overall, Half Past Human is a respectable well rounded release with material that safely lives up to the high self-made standards of this legendary ungrounded outfit. Let's hope that Cirith Ungol maintain their current working pace as material of this finest quality will certainly leave fans craving more. 


NO NONSENSE METAL RATING: 8/10

For fans of; VISIGOTH, BLACK SABBATH, DREAM EVIL, MANILLA ROAD 

THANKS FOR READING!FEEL FREE TO COMMENT OR ASK ANY QUESTIONS!DON'T FORGET TO SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE!

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