Cruachan

 Today in 2006 Cruachan released the album The Morrigan's Call

Dublin,Ireland Celtic/Folk/Black Metal

Status:Active

Years active: 1992-1997, 1999-present

Of the few bands that profess to be folk metal, Cruachan is arguably the folkiest -- many bands in this field are first and foremost metal bands with varying folk influences, but Cruachan almost does it the other way around, as their heavily Celtic folk aspect is as predominant as the metal aspect in their sound. The band has been active since 1992, when they formed as a result of the disbandment of another band (Minas Tirith), with many having come and gone over the early years. The folk sound can be startling upon first listen, especially if one is expecting a harder metal style, but Cruachan capture the Celtic ethos perfectly, and their blend of traditional melodies with metal is impressive and quite interesting.

AFM Records

Karen Gilligan Vocals

Keith Fay Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Banjo, Bodhrán, Percussion

John Clohessy Bass, Aldotrube

John Ryan Fiddle, Violin, Mandocello, Bowed bass, Banjo, Vocals (grunts, track 1)

Joe Farrell Drums, Percussion

Guest/Session

John O'Fathaigh Irish flute, Tin whistle, Low whistle, Recorder

Aine O'Dwyer Irish harp

1. Shelob 03:05

2. The Brown Bull of Cooley 05:26

3. Coffin Ships 01:50 instrumental

4. The Great Hunger 06:10

5. The Old Woman in the Woods 01:52

6. Ungoliant 03:56

7. The Morrigan's Call 01:52

8. Téir Abhaile Riú 04:16

9. Wolfe Tone 02:58

10. The Very Wild Rover 04:04

11. Cuchulainn 06:24

12. Diarmuid and Grainne 05:15

47:08

"The Very Wild Rover" is an adaptation of the well-known folk song "The Wild Rover".

"The Old Woman in the Woods" is an adaptation of the nursery rhyme "The River Saile".

Recording information:

Recorded and produced at Sun Studios in Dublin, during January and February 2006.

Mixed by Gail Liebling and Cruachan.