Search - Cruachan :: Middle Kingdom

Myra S. (ignolopi) from SALT LAKE CTY, UT
Reviewed on 5/5/2010...

Cruachan has an interesting style. I wanted to try them out because I like Celtic folklore and music. I was looking for something more of a Celtic/new age style, and I found it a bit too much like Metal for my liking. Funnily enough, my sister, who's big into metal, listened to them and found it too much like 'just a bunch of Celtic music'. Some of their songs were well done, I still like the stories, but I'm only about half-and-half on the album. I recommend trying them because they have a unique type of music.

Brilliant...

s | 11/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 11 year old down below obviously doesn't understand the point of this CD. He says that the quiet songs are lovely. He should have bought Enya! This CD is about Celtic Mythology which is great because this band is actually from Eire. It is about mixing Medieval, Classical, Celtic and Black Metal. The 11 year old probably listens to pop and wasn't expecting such Heavy music. Another thing, people keep calling Cruachan "Celtic Rock" which is a lie. This is not rock, this is true Black Metal mixed with ancient Celtic music. The mix couldn't have been better, and this is a brilliant CD.Other bands to check out in this genre:
Waylander
Geasa
Brian Barr
Heol TelwenAnd of course, the companion piece to Celtic Metal, Viking Metal."

Unheard Of Combination

sliphsc | VA USA | 03/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The most amazing thing about Cruachan is its originality. Granted, there is a whole genre of similar bands, but how many Celtic folk metal bands do YOU know of? Cruachan combines traditional Irish instruments (flutes, goatskin drums, etc.) with more modern instruments (guitar, drums, keyboard, etc.) and does it extremely well. Not only do they use the traditional instruments, but the subject matter of the songs also concerns Irish folklore and history. Also quite interesting is the fact that the band includes an explanation of what the songs mean in addition to the lyrics along with the CD. Musically, Cruachan is not only original, but they also have a female lead with a beautiful voice who greatly enhances the listening experience. Personally, I became hooked on Cruachan by listening to their song entitled The Middle Kingdom (check out Cruachan's website for song clips). It begins by sounding like something out of the Middle Ages and is eventually skillfully combined with guitar. Now, I don't want to confuse you. Cruachan is Celtic folk metal, but it is not metal in the sense of Sepultura or In Flames. I would call it rock, but folk rock would mean something like Jim Croce, which Cruachan is not. I think the closest description would be light metal, since the music does include some screaming (by the male vocalist) and some fast-paced tracks, but if you are generally not a metal fan, don't let this deter you. If it means anything to you, my mom, who grew up listening to The Beatles, is a big fan. This CD is highly recommended, whether you listen to the fastest thrash or the lightest rock."