Search - Cruachan :: Folk-Lore

Celtic Folk Metal and Shaney Mac too!

Spaceapeman | Lynn, MA | 01/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a good hybrid of rock metal and Celtic folk music, using instruments from both genres. The main folk influence is from the flute and bouzouki. As a bonus, Shane MacGowan sings on two tracks from the traditional Irish canon (Spancil Hill & Ride On). At first listen some songs had more of a progressive metal sound than I would prefer, but I like it more with each listen. The female singer has quite a pleasant voice, there is just enough harsh growling type singing and the mix of rock and folk instruments goes together like ham & swiss. Considering metal's longtime concern with medieval & fantasy themes and imagery, it is natural to integrate it with historical instruments and sounds."

A Glimpse of the Rich Irish Tradition

zimbee | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | 09/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Several people whose tastes in music I have learned to trust and respect kept insisting that I check this one out. After it sold out a couple of times here and there I finally managed to get my hands on it and what a stellar album it turned out to be! Cruachan's previous album, The Middle Kingdom, while pleasant, had left no lasting impression on me and after a few listens it lay forgotten... On the other hand Folk-Lore has been on my playlist since the day I received it in the mail. Karen Gilligan's vocals have improved considerably - ask anyone who owns both Folk-Lore and The Middle Kingdom - she sounds more secure and is on pitch! The guest vocalist - Shane Mac Gowan (characterized by my friend Britton as sounding like an ancient Irish God) - adds aggressiveness and punch. The Celtic infuences are many - from the instruments to the themes. The album contains a mix of Irish folk songs (Ride On - the first single, Spancill Hill, The Rocky Road To Dublin) and originals (Susie Moran, Bloody Sunday, The Children of Lir, Exiles).A nice touch in the booklet - the band has taken the time to tell the stories which inspired the songs. Makes for a great read for those interested in Irish lore and history."

Perfect Style

sliphsc | VA USA | 03/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many times I will find a CD that I immediately fall in love with, so much that I crave more. After buying other CDs from the same artist, I find that their style has changed for the worse. However, Cruachan is one of the few exceptions. Folk-Lore happens to be a rare find that is actually better than its previous brethren (Tuatha Na Gael and The Middle Kingdom). Musically, this album is very similar to The Middle Kingdom. Cruachan keeps its traditional instruments and female vocals with a dash of male vocals. In fact, I would be hard-pressed to say which CD I like better between the two if it wasn't for the fact that Folk-Lore has both Ossian's Return and Ride On, easily Cruachan's two best songs. I suggest once again that you sample both songs from Cruachan's website, although the sample from Ossian's Return doesn't sound nearly as good as the whole song really is. Very highly recommended and another triumph for folk metal."