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Cruachan - Tuatha Na Gael review




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Reviewer:
8.0

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7.23
Band: Cruachan
Album: Tuatha Na Gael
Release date: 1995


01. I Am Tuan
02. The First Battle Of Moytura
03. Maeves' March
04. Fall Of Gondolin
05. Cúchulainn
06. Taín Bó Cuailgne
07. To Invoke The Horned God
08. Brian Boru
09. To Moytura We Return
10. Return [2001 re-release bonus]
11. Erinsong [2001 re-release bonus]
12. Ó Ró Sé Do Bheata Bhaile [2001 re-release bonus]

Cruachan is today probably one of the most well-known representatives of Ireland's metal scene. Formed of the members of the disbanded Minas Tirith in 1992, Cruachan released their first album "Tuatha Na Gael" in 1995. With this album they began to develop the style of Celtic folk metal that they have been using until today.

"I Am Tuan", the song which starts the album is a clear and peaceful introduction. Uillean pipes create indeed a very Irish atmosphere that seems to invite the listener to imagine the nature and character of Ireland itself. The second song, however, will already take the listener to a vigorous ride to the first battle of Moytura as it is written in the title of the song. "Tuatha Na Gael" has more black metal influences than the later released albums of the band. The overall impression is more rugged and harsh. One can notice this when listening for example to the songs "To Invoke the Horned God" and "The Fall of Gondolin" and their remakes that appear on the albums "Folk-Lore" and "Pagan". Many believe that it is the absence of Karen Gilligan's smooth vocals that causes the difference.

It can still be said that the band has stayed true to the black metal style combined with Celtic sounds. However, they do have paid more attention to stressing the light folk element on their later albums. Cruachan's ability is to create a fine sound that loads the listeners with energy. One of the highlights of "Tuatha Na Gael" is "Cuchulainn", it is probably the best song ever created to be played in a pub.

With this album, Cruachan introduces their selection of lyrical themes. From fantasy and Tolkien's works to the history and mythology of Ireland. An aspect they will develop further on their later albums.

The 2001 bootlegged re-release of the album includes also three tracks which appeared on the band's self-financed demo of 1997. Songs "Return", "Erinsong" and "Ó Ró Sé Do Bheatha Bhaile" feature the tender female vocals by Aisling Hanrahan.

To sum up, it can be said that "Tuatha Na Gael" is a jewel among the fine albums the band has created. It is a perfect representative of their personal style and has also a face of its own. This merry album is enjoyable for every fan of Cruachan and a fine experience for any person who likes folk metal all in all.


Rating breakdown
Performance: 8
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 9
Production: 6

Written by Ernis | 25.02.2007




Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.


Comments

Comments: 6   Visited by: 37 users
25.02.2007 - 01:05
Baz Anderson

after proofreading this - your review made me want to look into the band.. and I quite like what I am hearing.. I will look into them more some time in the future
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01.03.2007 - 01:24
APOHAKC
The Bard
Good review, you rated everything like I would do, except maybe production.
This is definetely not my fav Cruachan album but it is ok, maybe little high rate but review is awesome.
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They say that we are gone but I can't let you down
The heathen faith will rise again we won't fail now
I know we cannot die forever is our time
Give my people back to me free from Christianity!!!!
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02.03.2007 - 13:22
Rating: 8
ylside

Best Cruachan album. It has a special thing the other albums lack!
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01.12.2009 - 23:48
Uirapuru
Liver Failure
Quote:
"Cuchulainn", it is probably the best song ever created to be played in a pub.


Heh, I thought the same thing. Its the highlight of the album imo, along with ''To invoke the horned god''. Erinsong is also beautiful.
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member of the true crusade against old school heavy metal, early 80s thrash, NWOBHM, traditional doom, first and second wave black metal, old school death metal, US power metal, 70s prog rock and atmospheric doomsludgestoner. o/
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20.03.2016 - 14:34
Bad English
Tage Westerlund
Just read this, dude you must write more, sad you left this site. Like I told loving celtic things makes this special
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Life is to short for LOVE, there is many great things to do online !!!

Stormtroopers of Death - ''Speak English or Die''
apos;'
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I better die, because I never will learn speek english, so I choose dieing
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25.03.2016 - 15:02
Ernis
狼獾
Written by Bad English on 20.03.2016 at 14:34

Just read this, dude you must write more, sad you left this site. Like I told loving celtic things makes this special


Didn't leave bub... It's just that I've been lazy... plus I've got work and studies and all that jazz going on...
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