UNCUT 2023 INTERVIEW with ROBERT GARVEN (CIRITH UNGOL)

Uncut interview with ROBERT GARVEN (CIRITH UNGOL)
Interview conducted on October 26, 2023.
In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Cirith Ungol is a narrow cleft in the Ephel Dúath Mountains above Minas Morgul. One of the few roads leading from the west to Mordor, it plays a crucial role in the narrative as it is the place where Frodo is captured and taken to Sauron's fortress, Barad-dûr, before being rescued by Sam. The passage is also where Sam becomes the temporary bearer of the One Ring, while trying to rescue his friend. At the dawn of the 1970s, a group of friends from Ventura, California, obsessed with fantasy and heavy rock, took the name for themselves, giving rise to one of the pioneering bands of epic heavy metal that was so popular in the following decade. In 1992, after four studio albums, Tim Baker (vocals), Jerry Fogle (guitar), Greg Lindstrom (bass) and Robert Garven (drums) got tired and put an end to the band's trajectory. Twenty-three years - and, in the middle of them, Fogle's death - would be necessary for the trio to regroup, willing to continue the work. Since then, Cirith Ungol has released two more albums, as well as singles, EPs, live albums and a box-set. Given the recent announcement of a farewell tour for 2024, I had a chat with Garven, who, in addition to lightly breaking down the band's latest work - the very cool “Dark Parade”, released in Brazil by Hellion Records -, reflected on influences, legacy and much more.
Link to the written version (in Portuguese): www.marcelovieiramusic.com.br...
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