EP Review: Cirith Ungol – Half Past Human (Metal Blade Records)

What’s old has become new again.  On May 28th, 2021, Ventura, California’s masters of heavy metal chaos, Cirith Ungol, strike back with a very special EP entitled Half Past Human. The globe was ravaged by pandemic in the wake of the release of the band’s triumphant reunion album Forever Black in April 2020.  Carefully laid tour plans were dashed.  As time stood still, Cirith Ungol dug deep into their archival crypts, drawing back the veiled mists of history to expose long-forgotten jewels from their storied past.

In so doing, the band exhumed four songs written in a bygone era but never properly included as part of their fabled discography.  Cirith Ungol swept the dust off these precious relics, summoning long-dead forces back to life.  Each song was reimagined for today, injected with a fresh dose of power and vitality while preserving their trademark mysticism and remaining drenched in sinister, apocalyptic energy.

Recorded under the watchful eye of producer Armand John Anthony (Night Demon / Bewitcher / Gygax) in the darkness of 2020, Half Past Human promises to be a treasured addition to the music collections of Cirith Ungol’s loyal legions.  In keeping with tradition, the package is completed by stunning cover art courtesy of acclaimed fantasy artist Michael Whelan, from the original Elric series.

Half Past Human will be released via Metal Blade Records on digipak CD, vinyl and digital download on May 28th, 2021.

Making the best of a bad situation and ensuring fans won’t forget about their recent return, Cirith Ungol make 2021 that little bit darker with Half Past Human. Four tracks from the world of heavy metal, steeped in their unique fantasy style. The old-school metal flavour permeates through this record but thanks to the modern reworking, feels much more in keeping with today’s times.

The power this band exudes is undying. The engine starting up for a trip down Route 666. Hellbent for leather indeed, vocalist Tim Baker is on fire but the groovy metal riff work is also really notable. A trip into Lord of the Rings inspired territory is next with the terror inducing Shelob’s Lair. Here, Cirith Ungol deliver something that has the rhythm of being hunted and running for your life. The apex of the fear, reached with a screaming guitar solo.

Brutish Manchild is a robust heavy metal effort, the jabbing riffs and broken tempo make things a little unusual. Though the roar of the title and wild soloing makes it undoubtedly brutish sounding. Before it’s time for the title track and one last flurry drawn out of over 7 minutes. Where melody works alongside Cirith Ungol’s classic drawl. The increase in power builds the intensity, turning this track from something chilled into something downright epic.

A cool release to help keep Cirith Ungol at the forefront of metal minds. That it also happens to be damn good certainly betrays the ‘just for fans’ thing, as even new listeners will find themselves enjoying what is on offer here.

Cirith Ungol – Half Past Human Full Track Listing:

1. Route 666
2. Shelob’s Lair
3. Brutish Manchild
4. Half Past Human

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