Celtic Moment

Cruachan cover, Ireland’s Cruachan isn’t the world’s first, nor the world’s only “folk metal” band (other well known acts being Finland’s Amorphis and England’s Skyclad, to name but two), but they have arguably gone to the greatest lengths of anyone in their attempts to expand this still largely unexplored subgenre. Forming in 1992 from the ashes of an earlier band called Minas Tirith, Cruachan (which means “the big stack” and doubles as the war cry, or slogan, of the Argyll region’s Clan Campbell) featured Keith Fay (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Jay Brennan (guitar), John O’Fathaigh (flute), John Clohessy (bass), and Jay O’Niell (drums), whose prime sonic objective was meshing Irish heritage, Celtic history, and Tolkien mythology with death and black metal savagery. Also known to use traditional instrumentation, on occasion, to carry out this mission, the band released their first effort, Tuatha Na Gael, independently in 1995, but broke up a couple of years later after lengthy negotiations failed to yield a deal with Century Media Records. But Cruachan eventually decided to re-form and, after retooling their lineup with new arrivals Joe Farrell (drums) and, lending greater flexibility to their sound, vocalist/percussionist Karen Gilligan, they signed a new deal with Hammerheart Records. Now enjoying some stability, Cruachan proceeded to churn out 2000′s The Middle Kingdom LP, 2001′s Ride On EP, and 2002′s Folk-Lore LP. Keyboardist Ed Gilbert joined the crew in 2003 and …

July 2010, Clancy’s, Cork city.

it’s a slower version of the song that is beautiful!

Celtic Jewellery Site Expands Product Catalogue with the Celtic Warrior Shield Design
Celtic Jewellery Site carries Celtic rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets in various designs. They have now expanded their catalogue to include a collection of Celtic Warrior Shield Jewellery.

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Western Carolinian
By Jennifer Toledo Staff Writer The first time I saw Ménage was during the summer of ’05 at Jack of the Woods, a Celtic pub in Asheville. I was underage and I was kicked out after the first five minutes, but during those five minutes I caught a glimpse of something passionate and energetic.

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15°C – Sunny intervals with variable cloud cover
THEY are Scotland’s unsung sporting heroines – and they hope to end a World Cup drought stretching from 1998 by qualifying for next year’s women’s finals in Germany.

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