KAREN GILLIGAN LEAVES CRUACHAN. Karen has left Cruachan on good terms for various reasons (message from Karen below). We wish her all the best for the future. She will not be replaced!
Over the last while we have been moving towards a more extreme sound and style, now that Karen has left we are going to continue with this plan and Keith will take over full time vocal duties while John Ryan and John O Fathaigh will take on backing vocal roles.
For live concerts we are planning to adapt some of our back catalogue songs to suit this new arrangement. There are obviously some popular songs where this will not work and we plan to take a session female vocalist on tour with us. Karen has confirmed that she will appear as a guest on some tracks on the new album and this is something we are really happy about. We are looking at this as an opportunity to have a new start with Cruachan and we promise that our next release will be the greatest Cruachan album to date.
Message from Karen:
It is with a heavy heart, I make the announcement, that I will be leaving Cruachan.
I want to thank you for all your support over the years, and hope that you will continue to support the lads, as they continue on their musical journey. I have thought long and hard about making this decision and the impact it will have, but it is time for me to move on. I want to thank Keith, John Clohessey, John Ryan, Colin, & John Fay and all the past members of Cruachan for all the experiences that I have had. And especially for all the laughs that I will never, ever, forget !!
Slan
Karen Dubbed as pioneers of Celtic Metal and one of the first true Folk Metal bands, playing this style before it became a trend to do so. Cruachan was formed in 1992 by Keith Fay and John Fay. John Clohessy was recruited along with other members who have since departed. With a love of Celtic music, history and mythology, they sought to incorporate this into their music and lyrics, on a scale that had never been done before. They released a demo 'Celtica' in late 93'. It was highly praised worldwide and caught the attention of a variety of labels.. one being "Nazguls Eyrie Productions" from Germany. Cruachan signed to this label in early 94'. They recorded their debut album "Tuatha na Gael" in early 95'and it was released on the Celtic feast of Beltaine. Black metal interlaced with Celtic tunes. The only bad point about the album is the poor production due to lack of recording time. Regardless, it was a learning experience and the band built up a large following worldwide.
Cruachan went into studio again in early 97' and recorded a four-song promo with a new female folk singer (Aisling). The new material was a lot more heavy metal orientated. The promo was for record labels only..
Cruachan played live often in the period 95' to 97' and as with their music, their live shows were at the time unique also, with a true Celtic taste.
"Hammerheart records" from Holland were keen to sign us, in Oct. 99' the deal was sorted and Cruachan began recording their second album entitled "The Middle Kingdom" in Nov. 99' this was released in June 2000.
Cruachan combine modern rock /metal with traditional Irish music, but there is a lot more to them than just that: elaborate classical pieces, ancient medieval tunes etc. They also use real instruments rather than relying solely on a keyboard or sampler. The use of these instruments also adds an element of curiosity in live shows due to each member's ability to play a variety of instruments. Some of the traditional instruments they use are: Tin whistle, Irish Flute, Bódhran (an ancient hand-held goatskin drum), Uilleann pipes (or elbow pipes, like the traditional bag pipes, but instead of blowing, a bellows is used to pump air into the bag), Harp, Bouzouki (originally a Greek guitar, it has been adopted into Irish and Scottish music) Cruachan's original metal style could have been classed as Black metal, but the band have now opened up to other styles of metal and rock, although the black influences are still evident and the whole ethos is still there. Cruachan consider themselves as modern day bards or storytellers. They tell the old Celtic myths and legends of their proud past like the ancient Fili did before them, or the tales of hardship and rebellion that Ireland endured, through the medium of music
Thank you for your friendship. My debut single ROLLIN' IN THE HEY is currently #83 on the Music Row Breakout Chart and is poised to break into the top 75 WITH A BULLET!!!. Request it at your local radio station today. Also the CD is finally available. Visit my page to hear samples and buy it now! Also I value your opinion about what you think my next single should be so please drop me a line.
Cruachan my dear: Very good heavy progressive rock of yours. It does remind me of Black Sabbath at their very best, the atmosphere you create is kind of magical, sprinkled sometimes with the real Adam marks good and bad, plus fairies, gods, witches, elves, angels and little devils. Most songs are actually relaxing mental journeys and that's where youngsters like it best of all. My felicitations on all those majestic CDs recorded up to now and may your far-out music be much more respected and acclaimed worldwide. I would consider myself certainly privileged if you could hear out my bunch of simple provincial songs, my roots and send me any desirable comments. Please, accept a fraternal musical embrace from your admirer, down here in Minas Gerais, heart of Brazil,
Greetings!! I hope you're doing fine there! If you have a little time check back my portfolio, here in myspace! Myspace Design - Covers & CDs - Websites // DERZ'OTH DESIGN
