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It hadn't quite dawned on me that Cirith Ungol first formed in 1972 and that their last studio album dates back to 1991 already. Time certainly does fly. So here we are, nearly 30 years later, with a shiny new album. It has a bit of a doomy vibe but really it's quite upbeat for the most part and it makes me think of the speediest, catchiest stuff of '70s heavy/doom if it were delivered with a modern sound and approach and that's one of the things I like the most on this album: Old school to the core, but it sounds fresh. Plenty of catchy, rocking moments to keep the troops entertained. The vocals are a major highlight—a powerful, soaring, grandiose style that takes centre stage and drives everything else, yet without overshadowing the music. It's those kinds of powerful vocals with catchy melodies that just beg for you to sing along with.

It has been a long time coming, but Cirith Ungol have delivered quite the little jewel with this one and it was well worth the wait. Forever Black shows that the band is still in top form and has stayed true to their '70s and '80s roots while modernizing their sound, achieving a delicate balance. Fans should not be disappointed.