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CRUACHAN BAND PAGE
 CRUACHAN
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CURRENT NAME
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Cruachan | |
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FORMER NAMES
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- | |
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ORIGIN
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Ireland | |
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STATUS
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Active | |
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FORMED IN
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1992 | |
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LABEL
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AFM Records | |
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GENRE
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Folk music; Metal | |
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STYLE
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- | |
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LYRICAL THEME
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- | |
| BAND ADDED | 2005-06-13, 00:00 | |
| LAST UPDATE | 2008-02-20, 04:59 | |
| Band biography |
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 metal orientated. The promo was for record labels only..
Cruachan played live often in the period 95' to 97' and as with their music, their live shows are unique also, with a true Celtic taste - dressed in historically accurate Celtic dress with war-banners etc. (when the venue allows!!) The reaction to live shows has been excellent.
"Century Media Records" from Germany showed a lot of interest in 97' and arrangements were made for a signing. We left "N.E.P." and negotiated with Century media. Cruachan eventually pulled out of the deal, they felt that Century media offered no freedom and the label had too much control over the writing of material. Century media would not alter the contract in any way so Cruachan bid them farewell. Cruachan continued writing and playing, not only to rock /heavy metal audiences but in Celtic festivals and with internationally renowned acts to a variety of people, but alas, in mid 97' Cruachan called it a day for various personal reasons. All members continued to play music but on a smaller scale than before. But, as the phoenix rises from death….so too does Cruachan. In Jan. 99' Keith and John Fay decided to reform as fans kept writing asking about the possibility of a second album. "Hammerheart records" from Holland were keen to sign us, 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.
Cruachan combine modern rock /metal with traditional Irish music, but there is a lot more to them than just that: elaborate classical pieces, ancient medieval tunes etc. They also use real instruments rather than relying solely on a keyboard or sampler. The use of these instruments also adds an element of curiosity in live shows due to each member's ability to play a variety of instruments. Some of the traditional instruments they use are: Tin whistle, Irish Flute, Bódhran (an ancient hand-held goatskin drum), Uilleann pipes (or elbow pipes, like the traditional bag pipes, but instead of blowing, a bellows is used to pump air into the bag), Harp, Bouzouki (originally a Greek guitar, it has been adopted into Irish and Scottish music) Cruachan's original metal style could have been classed as Black metal, but the band have now opted for a more conventional heavy metal sound, although the black influences are still evident and the whole ethos is still there. Cruachan consider themselves as modern day bards or storytellers. They tell the old Celtic myths and legends of their proud past, or the tales of hardship and rebellion that Ireland endured, through the medium of music.. To put it all simply…..Cruachan are storytellers…no more, no less.
On May 27th, 2005, the band parted ways with their label Karmageddon Media. In June they signed a new contract with the Greek label Black Lotus Records.
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| Buy Cruachan albums |
| Official releases Add | ||
9 / 10 Read our review here | ||
9.5 / 10 Read our review here | ||
9 / 10 Read our review here | ||
| Tour dates / gigs |
