Cirith Ungol's "Dark Parade" emerges as a monumental force, a haunting auditory expedition that transcends time, mirroring the apocalyptic dread penned by H.P. Lovecraft nearly a century ago. The album, like a phosphorescent entity emerging from the depths, unveils a dark, doomy journey through the chaos that defines Cirith Ungol.
Opening with the crushing "Velocity," the album sets the tone with mid-paced, down-picking chugs that echo the band's signature sound. Guitarist Jimmy Barraza, consciously or subconsciously, introduces a Sabbath or Priest vibe, adding a contemporary touch to the classic doom metal and NWOBHM roots. The lyrics of "Velocity" delve into the consequences of selling one's soul, a thematic thread woven throughout the album.
"Sailor on the Seas of Fate," an eight-minute epic, exemplifies the band's ability to build tension through reflective arpeggios and tribal rhythms, culminating in a bleak, slow burn of retribution. The final trilogy of tracks, "Dark Parade," "Distant Shadows," and "Down Below," constructs a metallic soundtrack depicting societal decay and environmental collapse, foreshadowing an impending extinction.
Vocalist Tim Baker's voice remains a constant, marking each album across the band's extensive discography. "Dark Parade" draws from the band's entire catalog, creating a lineage that traces back to their 1981 debut, "Frost and Fire." Baker's lyrics echo the ever-malignant curse of mankind's dominion, encapsulating a prophetic view of a twisted future.
"Relentless," blends Mercyful Fate-style interplay with Middle Eastern guitar touches, adding an exotic layer to the doom-laden narrative. Baker's fatalistic lyrics mirror the treacherous demons thwarting sanity, providing a glimpse into the album's overarching theme of societal collapse.
"Looking Glass" initiates a conceptual four-song sequence introducing "The Dark Parade," a multi-song presentation delving into self-reflection and the curse of broken dreams. The song's shifting moods, trenchant riffs, and blues-based leads showcase the band's dynamic range, exemplifying the quintessential Cirith Ungol sound.
As a Lovecraftian tumble into an abyss of horror and despair, "Dark Parade" stands as Cirith Ungol's most vitriolic expedition. Despite their fantasy-inspired aesthetics, the band addresses real and frightening subjects, distancing themselves from sword and sorcery themes since the '80s. Baker emphasizes their identity as a heavy metal band, resisting lazy labels.
The album's creation, plagued by the global pandemic, mirrors a journey through illness, seclusion, grief, and depression. Cirith Ungol's resilience, evident in their perseverance, manifests in each track. "Dark Parade" is a triumph of pessimism and pain, a beacon of true metal raising its banner as chaos descends. In the face of annihilation, Cirith Ungol's audial tapestry resonates with unparalleled power, offering a visceral and poignant commentary on a world on the edge of destruction. With a perfect score of 5 out of 5, "Dark Parade" stands as an unrelenting testament to the enduring might of Cirith Ungol.
Listen to the album here: ▶︎ Dark Parade | Cirith Ungol (bandcamp.com)