Cruachan - Blood on the Black Robe

It has been almost five years since Cruachan released The Morrigan’s Call, and a lot has happened, from Karen Gilligan leaving the band in 2008 to a change in drummer shortly after the release of The Morrigan’s Call.  Last year, a change in record labels was also in the cards, as Cruachan left AFM Records for Candlelight Records.  Their first album after all of the upheaval is being realized with Blood on the Black Robe, which just might be the band’s best album yet.

Many of the Irish folk influences that have been on the previous Cruachan albums are still there, though judging from “I am Warrior,” the band is going back to a more black metal sound in terms of guitars as opposed to their more melodic ways of recent memory.  The melodic side of Cruachan is still evident, though the folk instruments are the primary reason for this.  The intro to “The Column” is serves as a battle cry in the sense that it can prepare the listener for what’s ahead.  It is also on this song that the guitars show some melody, particularly in the latter half of the song, and while it still isn’t leading the way, it also doesn’t get in the way of the folk instruments.  Even though Cruachan leans more towards the black metal influences, the folk instruments are not treated as an afterthought, as they still play a significant role on Blood on the Black Robe, and when called upon, can shine, as evidenced by the beginning of “An Bean Sidhe,”  which also features female vocals.  Since Gilligan’s departure, the female vocals aren’t quite as abundant, but when used properly like “An Bean Sidhe,” it can have a profound effect on the song.  The title track starts off with an acoustic interlude, and then goes into a mid-paced black metal-like romp through the song.  Much of the album is great, but one potential thing that may cause problems is length.  With a running time of close to an hour, attention spans could be tested.  However, there is much to gain from the album from beginning to end.

For all of the time off, Cruachan appears to have used the time off wisely.  Cruachan returns with a warrior’s mentality, and it shows on Blood on the Black Robe.  An album that harkens back to the band’s early days, it does a good job of introducing new fans to their old ways and gives the older fans a taste from the fountain of youth.

Release Date: April 18, 2011
Label: Candlelight Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  To War
2.  I am Warrior
3.  The Column
4.  Thy Kingdom Gone
5.  An Bean Sidhe
6.  Blood on the Black Robe
7.  Primeval Odium
8.  The Voyage of Bran
9.  Brian Boru’s March
10.  Pagan Hate
11.  The Nine Year War

Total playing time:  58:06

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*Comments:

Reviewer: Peter

March 8, 2011