CIRITH UNGOL “Servants Of Chaos” /2CD + DVD Digipack/

Limited Edition release of the first live album by cult American Heavy/Doom Metal band.
Cirith Ungol was formed in 1971, just one year after Black Sabbath released their self-titled debut kickstarting the genre. Taking influence from Progressive and the Hard Rock, as well as the burgeoning Metal scene along the way, the band formed a powerful sound, one that inspired myriad musicians. Cirith Ungol have always been their own animal with a heady brew of Fantasy-inspired lyrics and gripping Metal. They have a certain niche carved alongside acts like Pagan Altar and Manilla Road - true pioneers of pure and true Heavy Metal.
When the band released their first album, “Frost And Fire”, in 1981, they benefitted from the nascent NWOBHM movement.  As the decade progressed, though, it was as if Metal split into two distinct and opposite directions with the MTV crowd at one end and the other occupied by heavier bands.  After having a difficult relationship with their label, Restless Records, the band split up in 1992. Thankfully, though, they reunited in 2016 and have been hard at work since playing festivals across North America and Europe.
“I’m Alive” was recorded live 27.05.2017 at Up The Hammers Festival, Athens, Greece. At twenty-two tracks, this is an album well worth its price tag. The production is thoroughly live with little to no evidence of any major studio fixes or tricks. Tonally, the guitar is pure, undiluted overdriven Marshall JCM800, the staple of the ‘80s. It is a thick sound with plenty of girth and Metallic rage. The drums are captured with a very lively sound, solid and organic. Tim Baker’s vocals are as lethal as ever as he still rules over the microphone like a despotic ancient warlord from a Robert E. Howard or Michael Moorcock story.  Weatherby’s bass sounds huge. Though not particularly overindulgent, it is an articulate sound with plenty of presence that never gets buried in the mix. Few bands can really pull something like that off without sounding over-busy but Cirith Ungol are veterans, certainly members of the Heavy Metal elite! Cirith Ungol were essentially paving the way for bands like Iced Earth and their collaboration with Todd McFarland on “The Dark Saga”.  Everything about this album speaks to the professional aspect of the band. Because of that vital experience in the business, the band understands well what the fans want and caters to them particularly the die-hards. If you can find this for a decent price on vinyl - buy it!  It is not only a solid investment, but genuine Heavy Metal magic!!
Strictly limited to 300 numbered copies Ice Blue Marbled double vinyl includes giant poster.
Metal Blade Records, 2019 (3984-15672-1). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:

Disc 1

Side A
1. Intro 00:55
2. I'm Alive 05:03
3. Join the Legion 04:11
4. Atom Smasher 04:22
5. Edge of a Knife 04:54
6. Blood & Iron 04:03

Side B
7. Black Machine 03:57
8. Frost and Fire 04:35
9. Finger of Scorn 08:00
10. Chaos Descends 04:43
11. Doomed Planet 03:58
Running time: 48:41 min.


Disc 2

Side C
1. Chaos Rising 08:03
2. Fallen Idols 06:10
3. Paradise Lost 06:30

Side D
4. Master of the Pit 06:58
5. King of the Dead 06:47
6. Cirith Ungol 07:22
Running time: 41:50 min.

Total playing time: 90:31 min.


Samples: https://cirithungol.bandcamp.com

The fourth re-release of the debut full-length studio album by cult American Heavy Metal band.
In 1981, a little-known visionary quartet from Ventura, CA, released their debut album via their own Liquid Flames Records. The album was re-released on MC in 1984 by Enigma Records, and in 1987 again on MC and LP by Restless Records (a division of Enigma Records). In 1999, it was re-released on CD by Metal Blade Records.
In that unassuming moment, the course of Heavy Metal history changed forever. Forty years on, legions of fans worldwide have been enraptured by these masters of the dark arts, and now Cirith Ungol invites fans to ride the black machine for a fond look back at the epic album "Frost And Fire".
An eternal classic, all the songs of album feature archetypal heroic and even catchy melodies with truly driving bass lines and unusual but masterful drum work. And all that before the classic Sword and Sorcery heavy metal archetype was even properly established.
While Michael "Flint" Vujejia is credited as the bass player on this album, it has been confirmed in several interviews that Greg Lindstrom was actually the bassist on it.
In 2005, "Frost And Fire" was ranked number 362 in Rock Hard Magazine's book of "The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time".
A masterpiece of epic Heavy Metal which pounds with classic fury yet with a medieval atmosphere that ranges into Doomy territories. Cirith Ungol are timeless yet were so ahead of their time…
Both versions of the album sound flawless. There's a very good reason this album is one of the quintessential influences in Epic Metal.
40th Anniversary Edition re-release on Double 180g Black Vinyl includes two versions of the album: “40th Anniversary Remix” and “2021 Remaster” (Original Mix), remastered from Original Tapes. Housed in gatefold cover with 6-mm spin, release also includes 8-page 12” booklet, download card and giant poster!
Metal Blade Records, 1981/2021 (3984 15809-1). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Frost And Fire (40th Anniversary Remix) 3:35
2. I'm Alive (40th Anniversary Remix) 5:00
3. A Little Fire (40th Anniversary Remix) 3:47
4. What Does It Take (40th Anniversary Remix - Goldmine Mix) 3:33
Side B
5. Edge Of A Knife (40th Anniversary Remix) 4:31
6. Better Off Dead (40th Anniversary Remix - Goldmine Mix) 4:46
7. Maybe That's Why (40th Anniversary Remix) 6:17
Running time: 31:29 min.

Side C
1. Frost And Fire (2021 Remaster) 3:37
2. I'm Alive (2021 Remaster) 4:59
3. A Little Fire (2021 Remaster) 3:48
4. What Does It Take (2021 Remaster) 3:36
Side D
5. Edge Of A Knife (2021 Remaster) 4:31
6. Better Off Dead (2021 Remaster) 4:47
7. Maybe That's Why (2021 Remaster) 6:16
Running time: 31:34 min.

Total playing time: 63:03 min.



Samples: 
https://cirithungol.bandcamp.com
https://cirithungol.bandcamp.com