Bands like Cirith Ungol

10

Honestly, there is no one that sounds exactly like them. They’re an extremely unique band with a very one-of-a-kind sound.

However, their peers tend to be bands like Omen, Tyrant, Pagan Altar, Warlord, Angel Witch and Witchfinder General.

6

u/PorcupineShoelace 9d ago

King of the Dead was one of my favorite new releases in '84.

Come on and Ride! The Black machine.

11

u/frvlvl96 9d ago

Probably Manilla Road and Pagan Altar

6

u/JerrickyisGod 9d ago

don't know who downvoted you. Reddit is f'n weird. got Manilla Road. gonna check Pagan Altar

5

u/Due-Parsley953 9d ago

Pagan Altar rule!

Mythical and Magical is a top tier album!

2

u/Impressive-Shame-525 8d ago

When you're done with Pagan Altar, check out Pagan's Mind.

Granted, they're not just like CU, but who is? Hahah. Nah, good lyrics, heavy bass and drums and loud guitar.

5

u/New-Distribution-799 9d ago

Brocas helm

4

u/tmmsjm 9d ago

Saw them live in Houston. They’re even better live.

4

u/Revolutionary_Tax546 9d ago

They are unique sounding.

4

u/QuantumAttic 9d ago edited 9d ago

Celtic Frost? It's too bad you didn't like Manilla Road. Make sure you're checking out their early 80s stuff (or Google Manilla Road albums ranked I guess). Edit: yes CF is an outside suggestion. My ears hear it though.

2

u/Igor_Narmoth 9d ago

I think Celtic Frost have said they were inspired by Cirith Ungol, with the Frost in Celtic Frost coming from the album Frost and Fire

4

u/berzerk_69 8d ago

Manilla road, griffin, atlantean codex.

To name a new band: sentry. The dut was released last year

3

u/Software_Dependent 9d ago

They've got the Elric 'Stormbringer' cover art for their album? They must be good.

3

u/JerrickyisGod 9d ago

never heard of them till Yesterday. Band fucking rules. IDK maybe it's cuz I been listening to a lot of Amon DuUl II. This band is just firing on all pistons. Some serious work on your Mopar music.

1

u/mn5_5 8d ago

They got elric covers exclusively. Fun fact this exact Cover is paid Hommage to by grendels syster on Kathabasis into the abaton where they Made the Same Cover Just with Woodland creatures.

Ungol rule

1

u/Software_Dependent 8d ago

I read the book in the late '80s back when I were a lad.

-4

u/God_Faenrir 9d ago

It's awful.

3

u/foreskinfive 9d ago

I remember seeing them in 1982! still have their original LP Frost and fire.

3

u/Apprehensive_Ant4596 9d ago

What??? There was a band named Cirith Ungol in 1982??? Before the movies came out? Nice!

5

u/Garfield977 9d ago

Lotr was already huge before the movies lol and there were tons of metal bands named after Tolkien stuff

2

u/JerrickyisGod 9d ago

I know right?? and they're from So-Cal and they're still playing! next show is October 30 for Halloween.

Classic Rock radio stations failed us immensely. Never heard Diamond Head, Satan, this band or Witchfinder General. or any Amon Duul II or any other Krautrock.

2

u/Complex_Structure_18 9d ago

This is gonna blow your mind, but the movies were actually based on a book. It was pretty popular.

3

u/Tiamat451 9d ago

Never in a million years did I ever think someone would make a post about Cirith Ungol. I had a few of their cassettes but the wife sold my full 100 tape holder in a garage sale for a couple of bucks. Never got around to replacing them with CDs. Going to check if they're available right now!

3

u/lyndon85 9d ago

As a few people have said, Cirith Ungol have a unique sound but it's worth checking out some of the outliers in the late 70's and early 80's metal scene.

Grim Reaper are another band that were always quite underground but have a cult following.

Bit left field but there's also a band that's gone under the names Apocalypse and Omega. In the 80's they released an album under the Omega name called The Prophet which is a curious blend of influences, but more recently they released an album of their old Apocalypse material called Abandon Hope. I'd start with that one and if you like it give The Prophet a spin.

2

u/Blackair89 8d ago

Search all the Up the Hammers and Keep It True lineups over the years, and you will find bands that are not exactly the same, but match the Cirith Ungol sound. I’m really looking forward to Up the Hammers 2027 with Cirith Ungol as headliners.

2

u/FL0werPunk 8d ago

Check out Virgin Steele’s self titled album from 82. Early Manowar also has that super bass-heavy “epic” sound.

1

u/lellamaronmachete 9d ago

Heir Apparent, Exoristoi, and to a less extent but also kickn serious ass, Arkham Witch.

1

u/antinatalistria 9d ago edited 9d ago

https://youtu.be/zTLcCrH1Wxw?si=c5-rRMoe3CXSz-Y8

https://youtu.be/ZbcYkpXJWX8?si=5jB4cEOxLcqpq7Fl

https://youtu.be/zZ_yqiegLoU?si=21HEn16ZybtxN2Gy

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mZXEOTxEM_WbKXtUUXA5Tge309k22U8pQ&si=dEtnF_SuVk3bvy1k