Search - Cruachan :: Morrigan's Tale

Cruachan's best so far

Matthew Schwarz | Bridgewater, nj United States | 03/25/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're familiar with this band (or have read reviews of their other CDs) you'll know Cruachan is an unusual mix of black metal, Irish folk, early 80's new wave chick vocals, and a dash of Pogues/Flogging Molly style folk-rock influence. Their first album was the most black metal, followed by two that were more rock, and Pagan and this CD tend to be the best mix of both (the Irish folk influence has remained throughout). The lyrics are a mix of Irish politics and folklore, with the occaisional dash of fantasy (this album has two Tolkien-based songs).

Although they don't work as perfectly for me as Finntroll, Blind Guardian, or Jethro Tull, I give Cruachan points for being original, especially in a time where most bands in a genre sound very similar. (And they were doing folk metal years before almost anyone else). The liner notes show they think hard about their lyrics, and that gets them some respect, too. I also find their music grows on me with each listen, and I think this is my favorite CD by them (I've got them all).

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