Cruachan
One of the earliest adopters and most influential acts in the folk-metal genre, Cruachan emerged in the early 1990s with a sound that combines the traditional melodies, instrumentation, and mythologies of Irish folk music with the sonic might of heavy metal. Led by vocalist and guitarist Keith Fay, the band debuted in 1995 and have spent the ensuing decades perfecting their unique brand of Celtic metal on acclaimed efforts like Folk-Lore (2002), The Morrigan's Call (2006), and the ambitious "Blood Trilogy," which concluded in 2018 with the release of Nine Years of Blood (2018).
Formed from the ashes of an earlier band called Minas Tirith, Cruachan (which means "the big stack" and doubles as the war cry, or slogan, of the Argyll region's Clan Campbell) coalesced in 1992 around the talents of Fay (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Jay Brennan (guitar), John O'Fathaigh (flute), John Clohessy (bass), and Jay O'Niell (drums). Released in 1995 via Nazgul's Eyrie Productions, Tuatha Na Gael's prime sonic objective was meshing Irish heritage, Celtic history, and mythology with death and black metal savagery. The LP caught the attention of Hammerheart Records, which enthusiastically added Cruachan to its roster and released their 1999 sophomore outing, The Middle Kingdom, which brought new drummer Joe Farrell and vocalist/percussionist Karen Gilligan into the fray.
Cruachan had their first taste of mainstream success with 2002's Folk-Lore. The album was produced by legendary Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, who lent his inimitable voice to the single "Ride On," which became a hit in Ireland. Having escaped the heavy metal underground, the band quickly became festival favorites, with performances at Hellfest, Brutal Assault, and 70000 Tons of Metal helping to raise their international profile. 2004's lack-luster Pagan was released by Karmageddon Media, but the group redeemed themselves with The Morrigan's Call in 2006, which was issued by AFM Records and elicited accolades both at home and abroad.
Myriad lineup changes preceded the release of 2011's black metal-leaning Blood on the Black Robe, with Fay taking over lead vocal duties from Gilligan, who departed alongside drummer Joe Farrell. The first installment of a planned trilogy, the album was issued by Candlelight Records. The band moved to dedicated pagan and folk label Trollzorn for the concluding pieces of the trilogy, 2014's Blood for the Blood God and 2018's Nine Years of Blood. Two years later, Cruachan inked a deal with Sweden's Despotz Records, and in early 2021 released the fiery single "The Hawthorn."
© James Christopher Monger /TiVo
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Discografia
15 album • Ordinato per Bestseller
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The Living and The Dead
Metal - Pubblicato da Despotz Records AB il 24 mar 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
A Celtic Legacy
Metal - Pubblicato da Despotz Records AB il 16 lug 2007
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Middle Kingdom
Metal - Pubblicato da Despotz Records AB il 1 giu 2000
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Folk-Lore
Metal - Pubblicato da Despotz Records AB il 4 feb 2002
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Blood for the Blood God
Rock - Pubblicato da Trollzorn Records il 5 dic 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Blood On The Black Robe
Metal - Pubblicato da Candlelight il 18 apr 2011
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Nine Years of Blood
Metal - Pubblicato da Trollzorn Records il 27 apr 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Morrigan's Call
Rock - Pubblicato da AFM Records il 19 giu 2006
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Hawthorn
Metal - Pubblicato da Despotz Records AB il 2 ott 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Blacksmith
Metal - Pubblicato da Despotz Records AB il 9 mag 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Crow
Metal - Pubblicato da Despotz Records AB il 25 nov 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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The Reaper
Metal - Pubblicato da Despotz Records AB il 27 gen 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Witch
Metal - Pubblicato da Despotz Records AB il 24 feb 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo