Hailing from the mighty land of Galway in Ireland, Na Cruithne meld traditional Irish music with heavy metal, showing a skill and love for this music seldom seen. Often in folk metal, one element overwhelms the other, but not so here. Na Cruithne’s music is a new beast, one extremely pleasing to the ear and, indeed, to the neck! All the musicians acquit themselves well, playing as a single organic entity, the sum even greater than the parts.
I have seen Na Cruihne live several times, most recently at Bad Reputation Limerick’s tenth anniversary gigs. They are an excellent band live, and visually arresting, bringing to mind a cross between Pat Mills’ ‘Slaine’ graphic novels and Braveheart. The lads and ladies of the band look like they stepped out of the pages of Jim Fitzpatrick’s ‘Erinsaga’…make no mistake, Na Cruithne are true Woad Warriors!
This is a truly excellent album, artwork and production complementing to the maximum degree. Na Cruithne would be a great addition to any major metal label’s roster. Like the stories that inspire them from the Celtic myths and legends, one day Na Cruihne themselves will be legends!
