Artist Website: www.cruachanireland.com
View Cruachan Profile on All Music
About Cruachan
Cruachan were founded in 1992 by Keith Fay, John Fay and John Clohessy. With a love of Celtic music, history and mythology, they sought to incorporate this into their music and lyrics, on a scale that had never been done before. With a line-up playing a variety of Irish traditional and conventional metal instruments they released the “Celtica” demo in 1994, in this year they signed with “Nazguls Eyrie Productions” from Germany and released their debut album “Tuatha na Gael” in early 1995. The album suffered from poor sound and production as the band were new to studio recording. Regardless, the album became by far the number one seller for the label despite selling out quickly in the few shops it was available in, not being replaced and not being promoted. As a result a lot of people who read the excellent reviews could not get their hands on it. Cruachan went into studio again in early 97’ and recorded a four-song promo with a new female folk singer (Aisling). The new material was a lot more heavy rock orientated. The promo was for record labels only.
Century Media Records showed a lot of interest in 97’ and arrangements were made for a signing. We left “N.E.P.” and negotiated with Century media. Unfortunately this deal never materialised. Cruachan continued writing and playing, not only to metal audiences but in Celtic festivals and with internationally renowned acts to a variety of people.
In Jan. 99’ Keith and John Fay decided it was time to source a fresh record deal as fans kept writing asking about the possibility of a second album. “Hammerheart records” from Holland were keen to sign them, in Oct. 99’ the deal was sorted and Cruachan began recording their second album entitled “The Middle Kingdom” in Nov. 99’, this was released in June 2000. During this period Cruachan played shows extensively throughout Ireland.
Folklore, Cruachan’s third album was released in 2002 to huge acclaim. It was recorded by and features vocals by the legendary Shane Mc Gowan of the Pogues. The single “Ride On” reached number 40 in the Irish charts. It received high marks in all the top Metal Magazines (Rock Hard, Legacy, Aardshock etc.). With this album Cruachan toured Europe and headlined festivals in both Germany and Norway.
Pagan is Cruachans 4th studio album and was released in April 2004. Again this album has been regarded as a breakthrough in folk metal and once more received fantastic reviews. The cover artwork was painted by John Howe, the artist from The Lord of the Rings movies. Since Pagan’s release Cruachan have performed all over Europe including 2 Headlining Russian tours and 1 headlining European tour in 2005, to date they are the only Irish band in history, metal or otherwise, to have toured Russia.
In 2005 Cruachan signed with AFM records. Their 5th studio album “The Morrigan’s Call” was recorded by Gail Lebling from Gail of god! As of our latest sales statement in February 2009, “The Morrigans Call” is also our best selling album to date.
Cruachan left AFM in early 2010. At this time vocalist Karen Gilligan left the band and they decided not to replace her and return to their roots and create extreme folk metal music. They recorded a 3 song demo which was only sent to a select few people. A recording contract was sorted with Candlelight records in summer 2010 and recording of another album “Blood on the Black Robe” began in November 2010.
In 2014, Cruachan switched from Candlelight Records to Trollzorn Records, marking a highly active year with major tours and festival appearances across Europe and Russia. They released their album Blood for the Blood God on December 5, 2014, but had to decline a spot on Paganfest USA 2014 due to recording commitments.
John Fay left Cruachan on June 24, 2016, marking his second departure. On April 27, 2018, they released their eighth studio album, Nine Years of Blood, concluding the "Blood Trilogy." This was also the last album featuring bassist Eric Fletcher, who was replaced by Rustam Shakirzianov.
In 2020, Cruachan experienced significant lineup changes, including the departure of Rustam, drummer Mauro Frison, fiddle player John Ryan, and guitarist Kieran Ball. They signed with Despotz Records and released the single "The Hawthorn." Their ninth studio album, initially planned for late 2022, was announced as The Living and the Dead and released on March 24, 2023. Cruachan also aimed to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 after not being shortlisted for 2023.
Video
Pagan (audio only)
Comments
Ronnie wrote on 2024-10-29 00:00:00:A band that deserves more recognition...
Joe wrote on 2005-11-28 00:00:00:
This band is like a modern day Horslips! Much heavier but throwing in tons of traditional and Celtic music.... BANG YOUR HEAD AND DANCE A WEE JIG!
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