This is cruachan?s third full lenght album, and i was really anxious to hear it. Since their 1995 debut album "Tuatha na Gael" this band someone managed to become 1 of my favorite bands over the last few years. After a break of approximatly 2 years the band released their second album in 2000 on Hammerheart Records called "The Middle Kingdom" this album showed that the band had kissed their black metal roots goodbye, the album had less grim vocals on it due to their new singer Karen who did most of the vocal parts, together with Karen a lot of slower songs entered. Too be honest this album disapointed me a bit. Their new opus "Folk-lore" sure put Cruachan back on the map, Karen?s vocals have grown more mature and diverse and there are also more traditional melodies and even a few heavier songs on the album including my favorite track "exiles" which originated from 1995 in the "Tuatha na Gael" days. Special Guest on the album is none other then mr. Whiskey himself "Shane Mc Gowan", Shane adds a lot of atmosphere to the album and his briliant duet with Karen on their single "Ride On" sure gives me the shivers. The album has a beautiful cover once again and the entire lay-out looks perfect. The album will be released as a limited edition digipack featuring a re-recording of their 1995 track "To invoke the horned god". This album is a must for all fans of folk-metal, and Cruachan surely has managed to prove once again that they are the masters of folk-metal. For me the album of the month, and don?t forget to read the interview with main-man keith in the interview section. (Kasper)

Another review of Cruachan's 3rd album (Kasper reviewed it in December). However, I do not share his enthusiasm. But this is probably more my own 'fault' than the band's. Cruachan play their folk/metal style as they developed on their previous album "The middle kingdom". In my opinion, their debut kills and the rest of their stuff can't compete with that album. The songs on this album are well-written, catchy at various times and the production is good. Sometimes the tracks even
sound quite happy. I can listen to it for 4 songs or so and that's the limit. It's not that I hate Irish folk as I listen to The Dubliners, Skyclad, The Corrs and Dropkick Murphys. Perhaps people who liked their debut as much as I do might understand my feelings towards this album. Anyway, I'm sure the people who liked "The middle kingdom" will love this album. (Ron)

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Other articles for Cruachan:

Festival		Arnhem Metal Meeting 2007»	by Kimberley 14 Feb, 2008
Album review		The Morrigan's Call»	by Isaak 19 Jan, 2007
News article		New album completed»	by Marcel 01 Mar, 2006
Classick review		Thuata na gael»	by Ron 31 Oct, 2005
Interview		Irelands pride!!!»	by Marcel 21 May, 2004
Album review		Pagan»	by Marcel 27 Mar, 2004
Interview		The Celts are marching on...»	by Kasper 22 Nov, 2001
Album review		Ride on»	by Ron 01 Apr, 2001