Forget everything you’ve ever thought you knew about Celtic rock bands, because Melbourne-based outfit, Claymore, defies all expectations. This enigmatic band of multi-instrumentalists not only manages to combine traditional elements of Celtic music, but they take that passion and soul and rock it right into the 21st century. Few bands can pull off the sensitive task of re-educating the traditional realm into the modern day, but that’s something of a specialty for Claymore. Not only that, but they manage to write beautiful original Celtic compositions, and even lend their style to some power rock classics, all with a Scottish or Irish twist.
Now recognised as a premier Australian Celtic band in world wide circles, Claymore have a host of impressive album releases under their belt and a long list of festival performances to their name, including headlining position at Australia’s largest folk event and several headlining appearances at the reputed Festival Interceltique De Lorient France. Although many Celtic bands may come and go, each sounding remarkably like the other, the point of difference with Claymore is within the term ‘rock’. They add a current flavour, and interestingly, an inherent Australianness, to their music, bringing ole time traditional themes into the future, and appealing to audiences young and old. From the penetrating beats of the bohdrahn in the battle songs of the Jacobite rebellion to the hypnotising drone of the pipes in the evocative love ballads of Scotland and Ireland, fans of the band find themselves conquered by the most fiery and delicate textures of Celtic music. While their style has been described as new age folk music, there is more passion, fire and enthusiasm that than genre allows.
From the liveliness of the instrumentation to the consummate skill of the performers, each of whom sport the ability to play several different instruments, and prove this skill effortlessly, there is something about Claymore that speeds up the heart rate, and settles into the soul of all music lovers. An experience with Claymore is an unforgettable one, and whether you know the songs or not, and whether you can understand the meaning behind the lyrics, one thing is certain, you’ll fall in love with the music and the band.
Hey guys hows it going???? Cant wait to get get a gig again After the ball will prob not get to another one till after mxas which will be sad thats the on;y prb with moving back to horsham i cant get to gigs as often but yeah at least im in a new job i spose thats the upside and im loving it :) ahh well ill be there to give ya a hand at the awakeinings gigs and cant wait :) well see ya soon and take care love kim
I've just been enjoying your music. 'Home' is such a beautiful song. Cheers for the add. Your music sounds great! Keep those sounds happening. Don't forget to drop by for a listen. I've got a track 'Dail Chuinnidh (Meeting Place)' you might like.
Oi!! Just enjoying "Home" wishin I had a pint of Kilkenny in front of me! We can't wait to get back to Vic. and the Quiet Man. We'll have a round of Jameson waitin' on ya'z when we get there! From your fans,"The Elvis Guys"...
Was kidding about the harmony thing, I love the way you guys do your thing & it's great just the way it is.Course you know that. Hope to catch you soon. Anni xx
Hey Willie (whats this "William" biz?), love the production on Home, is it you singing, where's yr accent gone? Thought it might have been Micheal... god it was lovely to see you all in March, Michael looked fantastic, & u of course ya big spunk, all the lads really. Might have to bring all my gorgeous girls down for a big night of dancing soon, when ya doing the Q man again? or somewhere closer to here... why dan't you have a gig in Castlemaine or Daylesford, Theatre Royal or Palais???... not much gig inf on this site is there another... Lotsa love... ps, ya need my harmony on Black is the colour & Ride on!!!! xxx
Hi Guys Just wanted to say you were fantastic (of course) last night at Kilmore Celtic Festival. I had promised my girlfriend Viv a great evening as she hadn't seen you before and she was blown away. You Rock!
Hiya Willy and co. Not sure whether i'm gonna make it down to Portarlington this weekend. If not it will be the first time in 5 years that i will miss out : ( Going to Long Island, New York in a few weeks to stay with Kenny, will be there for 3 months. Maybe get to see a gig at Queenscliff Music Fest or Maldon instead this year.
Have a wild time at the Celtic Fest! Cheers, Meredith.
