The Middle Kingdom

Cruachan

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 27, 2001)
• Original Release Date: February 20, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Martyr Music Group
• ASIN: B000056PQ7
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #499,332 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Celtica (Voice Of The Morrigan)

2. The Fianna

3. Druid's Passing, A

4. Is Fuair An Chroi

5. The Middle Kingdom

6. Oro Se Do Bheatha Abhaile

7. Unstabled (Steeds Of Macha)

8. Celtic Morning, A

9. Cattle Raid Of Colley

10. To Hell Or To Connaught

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This band presents a fine selection of Celtic Folk-Metal Songs that are upbeat and catchy as hell. With flutes, bagpipes, organ/piano/keys and male/female vocals Cruachan's tantalizing/mezmerizing music summons visions of celtic knots and druid cerimonys... The guitarwork is similar to the style of Bifrost (from the Mythistory album). The songs are relatively varied with some being absolutely beautiful and others being a bit heavier. Female vocals are dominant on this recording with gruff male vocals making an entrance here and there for added texture.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unheard Of Combination, March 27, 2003

By	sliphsc "sliphsc" (VA USA) - See all my reviews

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant..., November 2, 2002

By	s - See all my reviews

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 Telwen

And of course, the companion piece to Celtic Metal, Viking Metal.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect genre blend, July 26, 2002

By	"churinga" (Far, Far South, South of Ginnungagap!) - See all my reviews

The blending of soothing, melodic celtic instrumentals, clean female vocals and gaelic lyrics, bonded with deliciously tight drum beats and guitar riffs is certainly worth your while!

The opening track is a traditional Highland Bagpipe peice with some percussion picking up later on, which then fades to the second track, an ambient celtic peice oozing with vibe.

The rest are an assortment of some VERY catchy tunes with awesome male/female counterpoint vocals! Metal never sounded this good, now theres no going back.

I recommend this to anyone who likes Celtic Music, or Viking Metal.