Cruachan – Blood On The Black Robe

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Cruachan represent folk metal in one of its oldest forms, originating from Ireland. Ireland’s history is certainly less than cheerful, something Cruachan’s lyrics are all too quick to remind us of, dealing with the country’s struggles against both foreign invaders and foreign religions. Blood On The Black Robe is the first Cruachan album since the departure of singer Karen Gilligan (who, oddly enough, still guests on this album), with founder and guitarist Keith Fay now the group’s sole main vocalist. The album, for better or for worse, can be described as having a rather raw sound. There are perhaps two important grievances with this album, both with the guitars. The first is the sound of the guitars themselves. They sound stale, underdeveloped and rather droney, which works for the faster parts on the album but when the guitar part is regularly just long singular chords, it sounds rather bland and weak. Which brings us to the other issue – on the more mid-paced songs, the guitars just don’t seem to have much rhythm. An odd complaint perhaps, but there often doesn’t seem to be any energy or soul to them, they are simply strummed as if added as an after thought. It feels like on these moments more lead guitar riffs would be much more appropriate. Both complaints are especially noticeable on I Am Warrior (particularly during its mid-section) and The Column. Once fully into the album though, the band’s sound does take much more shape, being led more by both the very strong Irish folk melodies and instrumentation, as well as the band’s more blackened leanings. Of special note are the violin and tin whistle parts, adding a very authentic feel to the music. As can be expected from a band that dwells on their country’s unhappy history, Cruachan’s music is generally very bitter, celebrating the bravery of their countrymen but at the same time the brutality that has brought them to this point, and that which awaits. In this respect, Keith Fay’s grim snarl works rather well to portray the band’s themes. As an album, Blood On The Black Robe does take some time – and even then is very flawed – but still has plenty of character.

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, Albums, Folk Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Cruachan