Cirith Gorgor

Cirith Gorgor, initially named Dark Sorceress, was founded by the two guitarists Asmoday and Astaroth Daemonum in late 1993. The line-up was completed when Levithmong (drums) and Lord Mystic (bass) shortly afterwards joined the band. In the course of 1996 Nimroth (vocals) replaced the band’s first vocalist who was dismissed due to a lack of motivation.

The band name was chosen because it represents a common interest within the band and it symbolises the haunted pass to Death. A variety of interests is also to be found in the lyrics, of which the main inspiration springs from the intense antipathy towards all organised religions.
A period of frequent rehearsals ensued and more songs were composed, which eventually led to the recording of Cirith Gorgor’s first demo «Mystic Legends…» (1997), produced in the band’s rehearsal place. 350 copies were soon sold out.

About a year later Cirith Gorgor signed with Osmose Productions, after which the debut album «Onwards to the Spectral Defile» was released in 1999. Immediately after the recordings of this album Asmoday decided to leave the band because of personal circumstances. In spite of this loss the band soon regained full strength again when Marchosias (guitars) entered the legion and they were able to execute several more live performances, which up till now had included shows with Behemoth, Aeternus, Asphyx and Testament.

After positive reviews and live shows the bands started composing their second album «Unveiling the Essence» (2001), which was once again released by Osmose Productions. The typical aggressive yet melodic Cirith Gorgor style was consolidated and the new album received good reactions.

Then, after successful gigs with Enthroned, Dead Head and Hades Almighty, Cirith Gorgor’s second founding member Astaroth Daemonum also decided to quit the band because it proved impossible to combine full dedication to the band with his other daily life activities. At this time the band’s label also chose to end the cooperation with Cirith Gorgor. The band, however, remained motivated and started working on new material.

A self-financed promo titled «Demonic Incarnation» (2002) was recorded and came to the attention of German label Ketzer Records. Two of the songs featured on the promo were released on a limited edition 7»EP titled «Through Woods of Darkness and Evil» (2002 - 666 copies) through a cooperation between Ketzer and Regimental (USA).

Also a new guitarist was found shortly after recording the promo: Inferno, coming from Dutch black metal band Tartaros, joined forces and was involved in the creation of Cirith Gorgor’s new album «Firestorm Apocalypse – tomorrow shall know the blackest dawn.» The album was released in July 2004 by Ketzer Records. In the following year Cirith Gorgor did a European tour with Lux Ferre and Daemonlord.

With the help of Mor Dagor guitarist Pestilence a new track, entitled «Demonic Incarnation», was recorded, which was released 2005 as a split 7»EP with Mor Dagor.

During the following months new material was written and it was decided that Nimroth would no longer be a part of the band because he simply did not put as much time and energy in the band as is required, according to the other members of the band. The new album, titled «Cirith Gorgor», was recorded in April 2006 in the Toneshed Studio (NL) with Erwin Hermsen, who has also recorded CGs demo and debut album. Levithmong did the vocals because a new vocalist had not been found on time. Ketzer released the album on 26 February 2007.

The band did, however, find a session vocalist - Satanael from Dutch black metal band Walpurgisnacht - who agreed to help out in case of any future live shows/tours.

In early 2008 Cirith Gorgor decided to put the band’s interest first and parted company with Inferno because he had indicated that he was no longer interested nor available for touring. Some time later he was replaced by Odium and it was also decided that from now on Satanael would be Cirith Gorgor’s permanent vocalist.

Two years later the band was forced to start looking for another vocalist again because Satanael had plans to leave the country and live abroad. Former long-time singer Nimroth heard about this, contacted the band, and rejoined the band after a 3-year break. But Cirith Gorgor also needed to search for a new guitarist again because Odium indicated he wanted to focus more on his study/work. The band continues to write new material…