Cirith Ungol
Frost and fire

THE REVIEW

Being one of the most important bands in the genre and never being considered as such. These were Cirith Ungol, pioneers of a certain way of making epic, that sick, unhealthy heavy metal flavored by a voice that at first listen might seem inadequate and disgusting but fits perfectly with the proposed genre. The album in question dates back to 1981 and is called "Frost and Fire," the first platter from the American group founded by bassist Grag Lindstrom and guitarist Jerry Fogle in the now distant 1972. Subsequently, Michael Flint took Grag's place on bass and he began to take care of rhythm guitar and keyboard parts. Tim Baker was chosen as the singer. His vocal timbre is recognizable from the very first listen thanks to his scream that is not however "piercing" and "ferocious" as it will be in later records.

From the initial title track, you can perceive the hard rock spirit of our guys (also traceable in the fact that before embarking on their career they played Beatles covers and their genre was rock-folk).

"Frost And Fire" recalls the early Black Sabbath with its unmistakable 70s riff and a pace that brings AC/DC to mind. The album consists of rough songs devoid of the baroque and orchestrations typical of today's bands. Above all this rises the musical mastery of Jerry Fogle, who showcases all his brilliant insights and talent.

The style of Cirith Ungol is still to be defined, but flashes of class are already visible: unmistakable riffs, simple and linear song structures that are no less compelling for it. The track "What Does It Take" is highly original, psychedelic and dreamy with an immortal riff enriched by spectacular synths, making it one of the highlights of the album.

An album that lives on emotions. How not to mention the decadent progression of "I'm Alive," the catchy chorus of "Edge Of Knife" that immediately sticks in your head, and the spectacular hard rock of "Better Off Dead," a song enhanced by great bass work from Flint.

Last but not least, here comes the magnificent instrumental ballad "Maybe That's Why," the masterpiece of the album. Guitars intertwine creating dreamy melodies, a song full of pathos and feeling framed by the (unsung) lyrics speaking of a lost love… immortal…

An album that is not precisely epic (only the title track has lyrics of that type), but it will introduce the way to play it, live it, love it…

Frost and fire is also this. It's everything and nothing, black and white, light and darkness, ice and fire...

1- Frost and fire (3:35)

2- I'm alive (4:58)

3- A little fire (3:46)

4- What does it take (3:36)

5- Edge of knife (4:30)

6- Better off dead (4:46)

7- Maybe that's why (6:15)