#24: Cruachan
Cruachan is regarded as one of the progenitors of folk metal.
Background Info (Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives):
Country of origin: Ireland
Location: Dublin, Dublin
Status: Active
Formed in: 1993
Genre: Celtic Folk/Black Metal
Lyrical themes: Celtic folklore, Irish history/mythology, Tolkien, Anti-Christianity, Paganism
Current label: Despotz Records
Years active:1992–1993 (as Minas Tirith), 1993–1997, 1999-present
There is a certain kind of perfection I perceive every time I listen to Celtic metal. It’s like Celtic folk music was meant to be fused with metal, which results in something that is guaranteed to give a listener an epic experience. Cruachan’s pioneering use of Celtic melodies and instruments such as tin whistles, fiddles, lutes, and the bodhran does not pale in comparison to that of the music of later Celtic metal bands. They evoke the same awesome imagery of fascinating Celtic cultural aspects and myths. Plus, the blast beats are the cherry on top. Another plus, are the pure folk songs that feature more Celtic instruments like the harp, bagpipes, and the clean female vocals.
Favorite Albums:
- Pagan (2004)
- Folk-Lore (2002)
- The Middle Kingdom (2000)
Favorite Songs:
- Bloody Sunday (Folk-Lore)
- Michael Collins (Pagan)
- Cuchulainn (The Morrigan’s Call, 2006)
PREVIOUS ARTICLE: #23: Alien Weaponry
NEXT ARTICLE: #25: Jambinai
