CIRITH UNGOL - All The Shadows

The album opens with its title track, 'All The Shadows', where intriguing drumming leads into melodic guitar work infused with an infectious groove. Tim Baker's unmistakable high-pitched screams and raspy shrieks immediately make their presence felt, complementing the composition's energetic pace. Despite its speed, the song remains remarkably easy to follow, allowing its musical intricacies to shine. However, I find the vocals slightly overpowering at times, pushing much of the instrumentation into the background. A little more restraint might have given them an even greater impact. Thankfully, a fantastic guitar solo towards the end brings the guitars back into the spotlight, providing a satisfying conclusion to this energetic opener. 

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With 'This Mortal Stain', CIRITH UNGOL slow things down considerably, delivering a heavy, almost doom-laden composition that moves forward with the unstoppable force of a giant. Thick, distorted guitar riffs carry a surprising amount of melody, while Tim Baker's passionate vocals add an emotional intensity that perfectly complements the song's sinister atmosphere. What makes this track particularly captivating is the genuine feeling woven into every aspect of the instrumentation. From the expressive bass lines and deliberate drumming to the beautifully executed guitar work, nothing feels out of place. This becomes especially apparent during the bridge, where a magnificent, heartfelt guitar solo allows the music to speak for itself. ‘This Mortal Stain’ may move at a slower pace, but its combination of crushing heaviness and emotional depth makes it all the more memorable.

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'Shallow Reflection' takes a slightly different approach, opening with a melodic, groove-laden instrumental passage driven by a thick bass line, impressive drumming and intriguing guitar riffs. Gradually, the composition develops into an infectious, almost hypnotic groove, with prominent cymbal work adding further momentum. The vocals remain consistently heavy and drawn-out, fitting naturally into the song's weighty atmosphere. Around the halfway mark, however, the intensity begins to rise as the tempo increases and more heavily distorted guitar work takes centre stage. The atmosphere grows noticeably more powerful, culminating in an excellent guitar solo that adds another highlight to this dynamic composition.

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'Empty Tomb' begins with eerie ambient sounds, almost as though a massive stone door were being dragged open somewhere deep within an ancient burial chamber. Before long, CIRITH UNGOL returned to their familiar heavy, doom-laden sound, delivering powerful riffs and commanding vocals. However, despite the undeniable technical skill on display, a certain sense of repetition is beginning to creep in. The musical ideas, while enjoyable, feel increasingly familiar, making it difficult at times to distinguish this composition from its predecessors. Neither the musicianship nor the vocal performance is particularly at fault; rather, it is the lack of fresh impulses that slightly diminishes the song's impact. Thankfully, the beautifully calm and emotional closing passage provides a welcome contrast, allowing 'Empty Tomb' to leave a more memorable final impression.

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With 'Hollow Nimbus', CIRITH UNGOL returned to a more traditional, old-school heavy metal approach, picking up the pace with a thick, prominent bass line and energetic guitar work. Particularly impressive is the powerful, demanding drumming, which drives the composition forward with remarkable intensity. The guitar melodies possess an almost narrative quality, as though telling a story through their expressive phrasing. Despite the increased tempo, the atmosphere remains deeply melancholic, yet there is also an underlying sense of hope woven into the music. It is precisely this contrast between emotional depth and spirited musicianship that makes ‘Hollow Nimbus’ such an engaging composition.

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Closing the album, 'Venus In Thirds' immediately introduces thick, twanging bass lines and stomping guitar riffs, creating a wonderfully old-school heavy metal atmosphere. The initially slower pace gives the composition a somewhat relaxed feel, allowing the individual instruments to unfold naturally. However, as the drumming becomes more forceful and fiery guitar rhythms take over, the song gradually gains momentum, developing into a powerful and engaging finale. Particularly enjoyable is the infectious, almost fist-pumping energy that emerges, accompanied by a sinister undertone that adds character to the otherwise straightforward arrangement. Without relying on excessive complexity, CIRITH UNGOL delivers a solid, energetic conclusion that celebrates the raw spirit of traditional heavy metal.

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With All The Shadows, CIRITH UNGOL demonstrated that their passion for traditional heavy metal remains undiminished. Crushing, doom-laden riffs, powerful drumming and expressive guitar solos create an album rich in old-school atmosphere, while the slower compositions occasionally reveal surprising emotional depth. However, despite the undeniable musicianship, a growing sense of repetition prevents several songs from establishing their own identity. Tim Baker's distinctive vocals, although an essential part of the band's sound, occasionally dominate the mix a little too much. Nevertheless, All The Shadows remains a solid and enjoyable release with some genuinely memorable moments, even if its songwriting doesn't consistently match the strength of its performances.

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SCORE 7/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY