Cirith Ungol

The Profile

Cirith Ungol are an American epic/doom heavy metal band formed in Ventura, California in 1971. Defined by Tim Baker’s unmistakable high, rasping vocals and Jerry Fogle’s acidic guitar work, they released a run of cult albums from 1981–1991 before disbanding. Reuniting in 2016, they returned to the studio with Forever Black (2020) and Dark Parade (2023), continuing their dark, fatalistic brand of metal often linked to Michael Moorcock’s Elric imagery and Michael Whelan’s cover art.

Formed in Ventura, California (1971). Classic early members include Tim Baker, Jerry Fogle, Robert Garven, Greg Lindstrom, and Michael "Flint" Vujea. Studio albums: Frost and Fire (1981), King of the Dead (1984), One Foot in Hell (1986), Paradise Lost (1991), Forever Black (2020), Dark Parade (2023). Reunited in 2016. Elric/Michael Moorcock themes and Michael Whelan artwork recur across releases.

Reviews portray Cirith Ungol as a seminal yet underappreciated force in ’80s epic/doom metal, defined by Tim Baker’s searing vocals and Jerry Fogle’s acidic guitars. Albums like King of the Dead and One Foot in Hell embody their dark, fatalistic aura and literary inspirations (Moorcock’s Elric). Paradise Lost closes their first era amid label woes, while Forever Black marks a triumphant 2020 return. Overall verdict: enduring, singular, essential.