Prolific in the Black Metal scene and with an envious CV as regards label cooperation, the Dutch CIRITH GORGOR are back with the fifth studio release, also prolifically long as regards length. In the meantime, three years elapsed since the last official full-length Unveiling the Essence – but the band kept bringing forth 2002’s Demonic Incarnation (promo) and Through Woods of Darkness and Evil (7” EP, Ketzer/ Regimental Records).
The line-up has been steady through the years, the current work basis consisting of Nimroth (vocals), Marchosias (guitar), Inferno (guitar), Lord Mystic (bass) and Levithmong (drums).
Firestorm starts off at the sound of The Gates of Hell, thunder and lightning – these will be the listener’s escort for the ten minutes to come. In fact, songs are as a tendency quite long. Degeneration of Mankind is more of a martial warlike introduction to the extinction of Man’s greatest enemy: Himself. In fact, the band proceeds lyrically to Prelude to the final Holocaust – quietly yet forebodingly. Musically, the band’s sound is still recognisable – perhaps improved and slightly more consistent – and should please old fans and new alike.
The first few moments of the album make it almost immediately obvious that the quality of the music has increased – in feeling and why not say it, playing skills. There is slightly more variation too, and Firestorm is a quite listenable album, not least because of all the melody, though I would not say it will stand apart as one hell of a classic. It lacks a certain innovation, failing to succeed in the long-term memory. Still, I would also not say that CIRITH GORGOR play at a ’commercial level’. There is a certain touch of grimness in the band’s environment, mostly due to a harsh cold voice.
Not a sell-out, but not a highlight of the month either…
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Cover Cirith Gorgor – Firestorm Apocalypse… Tomorrow Shall Know the Blackest Dawn Front
Cirith Gorgor – Firestorm Apocalypse