Tuatha Na Gael - Cruachan

Cruachan are one of the premier bands in the Celtic metal movement, their early albums fusing traditional Irish folk music with more modern Scandinavian metal styles in a satisfying combination. 'Tuatha Na Gael' is a typical debut album in that it showcases the potential of these impressive traits without being anything particularly sensational, based more in the folk black metal tradition already being practiced by many bands in frostier climes. The folk touches here mainly extend to the flute, which dominates each song in place of a lead guitar in a manner that becomes irritating through over-use. The perfect balance is reached in 'The First Battle of ...  Read the complete review