Throughout the 1970s, the band generally played a style of heavy metal heavily rooted in hard and progressive rock. The band's first studio album, Frost and Fire (1981), featured a heavier sound, generally regarded as an early example of American power metal. By the band's second studio album, King of the Dead (1984), the band had solidified their power metal style of playing while gravitating toward a much 'darker' sound, with many considering the album among the first doom metal releases. The band took their name from the mountain pass Cirith Ungol in J. R. R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings. The name is Elvish and means "Pass of the Spider." While the place in Tolkien's book is pronounced "kirith ungol," the band pronounced it "sirith ungol. Each studio album's cover art is taken from the cover of a DAW Books edition of a book in Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné saga; the art is by Michael Whelan.
Greg Lindstrom, Robert Garven, Jerry Fogle and Pat Galligan (later a guitarist in Angry Samoans) played in Titanic, their first band in junior high school. With a desire to play heavier music similar to that of Mountain and Grand Funk Railroad, the rest of the band parted with Galligan and founded Cirith Ungol in late 1971. After forming in late 1971, the band played their first gig on January 1, 1972 at an anti-Vietnam war peace rally.
In 1980, they were signed by Liquid Flames Records, and released their first album, Frost and Fire, with Tim Baker on vocals and songs written by bassist and guitarist Greg Lindstrom. Their second album, King of the Dead was released in on July 2, 1984 and contained lyrics primarily written by vocalist Tim Baker and drummer Robert Garven. The album was then followed by One Foot in Hell on August 12, 1986, and Paradise Lost on August 23, 1991.
They played their last live show on December 13, 1991 and disbanded in 1992, following frustration with their record label.
In 2001, Metal Blade Records released in Germany Servants of Chaos, a compilation album of unreleased demos and live songs. With old tapes and assistance from Lindstrom and Garven, it was an attempt to give fans a wealth of archival and previously unheard material before the tapes deteriorated beyond retrieval. This double-CD was later re-released worldwide, with a rare 1984 live DVD recorded at Wolf & Rissmiller's Country Club in California. Founding guitarist Jerry Fogle died from liver failure on August 20, 1998.
The band was reformed by members Tim Baker, Robert Garven, Jim Barraza, and Greg Lindstrom on October 8, 2016 at the 2nd annual Frost and Fire Festival in Ventura, California. Throughout 2017, the band had set out to headline and co-headline several European and US festivals, including Keep It True (Germany), Up The Hammers (Greece), Defenders Of The Old (US), Chaos Descends (Germany), Psycho Las Vegas (US), Days Of Darkness (US) and Hammer of Doom (Germany). In April 2018, Cirith Ungol performed at the Hell's Heroes Festival in Houston, Texas and at the NYDM Spring Bash in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In August 2018, Cirith Ungol released the single "Witch's Game". Their latest record Forever Black was released on April 24, 2020.
Legions Arise
Cirith Ungol Lyrics
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We dreamt of your souls, whom now we shall take
Our legions of chaos have swollen in size
The long wait is over, to gather our prize
During our langour, much time has passed
The kings have returned, to lead you at last
So rise like the chosen you all have become
We march forth in battle, together as one
The stars have aligned, the spheres coincide
We lead you from darkness, to stand by our side
Legions arise, legions arise
Legions arise, legions arise
You never lost hope, you never have strayed
Arise now my children, arise from the grave
We lead not the weak, they won't answer the call
As chaos descends, false metal will fall
Legions arise, legions arise
Legions arise, legions arise
Legions arise
The lyrics of Cirith Ungol's song "Legions Arise" convey a theme of awakening and empowerment. The opening lines suggest a prolonged period of slumber from which the legions now emerge. They have been dreaming of capturing the souls of others, and now they are ready to claim their prize. The legions, representing chaos, have grown in number and are prepared to lead their followers into battle.
The song emphasizes the passage of time during their slumber, indicating that the kings have returned to guide their people. This suggests a sense of leadership and direction. The listeners are urged to rise up as the chosen ones, reflecting a transformation and elevation in status. The legions and their followers will face the battle united.
The lyrics also touch upon the alignment of the stars and the spheres coinciding, symbolizing a cosmic alignment that strengthens their cause. The legions offer to lead their followers out of darkness, highlighting the idea of standing together and finding strength in unity.
Line by Line Meaning
Long have we slumbered, but now we awake
We have been dormant for a long time, but now we are fully aware and active.
We dreamt of your souls, whom now we shall take
We have desired your souls for a long time, and now we will claim them as our own.
Our legions of chaos have swollen in size
Our armies of chaos have grown larger and more powerful.
The long wait is over, to gather our prize
After a prolonged wait, we are finally ready to collect what we have been waiting for.
During our langour, much time has passed
While we were inactive and lethargic, a significant amount of time has elapsed.
The kings have returned, to lead you at last
The rulers have come back to take charge and guide you finally.
So rise like the chosen you all have become
Elevate yourselves like the select few you have transformed into.
We march forth in battle, together as one
We advance into warfare, united and cohesive.
The stars have aligned, the spheres coincide
Cosmic forces have synchronized, and celestial realms have harmonized.
We lead you from darkness, to stand by our side
We guide you away from obscurity to stand alongside us.
You never lost hope, you never have strayed
You have always maintained hope and never drifted away.
Arise now my children, arise from the grave
Awaken now, my offspring, rise up from the dead.
We lead not the weak, they won't answer the call
We do not lead the feeble; they will not respond to our summons.
As chaos descends, false metal will fall
When chaos takes hold, fake and insincere forces will crumble.
Legions arise
Armies rise
Legions arise
Armies rise
Legions arise
Armies rise
Legions arise
Armies rise
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Gregory G Lindstrom, James Gilbert Barraza, Jeffrey Hershey, Robert W Jr Garven, Timothy Allen Baker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Karl Lux Lusitania
The return of CIRITH UNGOL is a life-changing experience , more than the vírus…
AJ
Tim Baker's voice is still as awesome as ever! Welcome back legends!
That opening verse is just too epic and true: "Long have we slumbered, but now we awake."
Martin Desbois
hell yeah bro!
FullMetalGuy
Love it when old metal bands like this make these fantastic comebacks to show us how it's done. Same case with Angel Witch and Satan who've put out fantastic comeback albums.
Brendon Halverson
Don’t forget Judas Priest.
Rock & espiritualidade
Authentic vocals, energetic sound, great old school rock n roll band
Paulo Silva
Rock and roll? Traditional Epic Heavy Metal.
Warrior of the Wasteland
Power Metal Sir.
D. Dutra
@Paulo Silva doom metal
candlemasus
Old school true Metal never dies ! Legions ARISE!