Never were two themes more comfortably aligned than heavy metal and the legends of the Dark Ages and beyond. But, so keen are many of us to buy into it, that the output from the scene often fails to measure up. Quality has been no benchmark for the tidal wave of bands over the past decade, many of which should probably have been swept away in the resulting backwash. So, in my continuing quest to weed out the treasure on the shore amongst all the strands of seaweed and scurrying crustaceans, we have Dublin’s Celtachor. Frontman Steve Roche has done a grand job of delving into myths and illuminating what few facts anyone can cobble together from the dawn of Irish history. The verses are tightly packed with enough to get budding students of ancient lore (much of which was not actually laid down in any truly comprehensible manner until well beyond the periods in question, but that’s just me being picky) off to a flying start.
Nine Waves is a well-constructed brand of blackened, epic folk metal with buzz-saw guitar riffs, acoustic interludes and wind-scarred, growling vocals. It’s the first studio release after two previous demos in 2008 and 2010. The most recent, In The Halls Of Our Ancient Fathers (still available as a download on its bandcamp web site) was fairly well received with a hearty slap on the back. The only gripe was the production which admittedly could have done with a few more tweeks. But tracks like In The Halls Of Nuada and The Wavesweeper were a great introduction to what the band was aiming for. Raw, uncomplicated but nicely constructed songs and an enticing vision of a time when gods and heroes walked the land. This full-length studio release maintains the values, I’m glad to say, and the sound and decent song writing are clearly core to the band’s ambitions. But it the band has managed to do away with the too lo-fi finish with a far more studied, competent approach. Roche’s vocals are also much more consistent throughout and the added length has allowed the band to indulge in more lengthy acoustic passages. The new improved Celtachor has produced a much more ‘epic’ sound with the eight minute Kingship of Bodb Dearg and two other tracks weighing in at more than 10 minutes.
They thankfully also resist what too many folk metal bands do which is get carried away and polish their sound up too much. The rusted edges that hint at mist-filled, windswept shorelines and unforgiving times remains. That said, I could happily see the tin whistle fade a little more into the background (it’s used here in a similar way to the lead guitar). But it seems to be have become an indelible signature of the Irish folk sub-genre and something of a badge of honour so I suppose I’m going to have to like it or feck off. On the other hand the use of the bodhrán drum here is spot on and the music itself doesn’t otherwise smother us with the Celtic theme.
Overall, decent pagan metal for the battle weary and stout of heart. Celtachor have delivered a release right from the heart and dry ice-filled backrooms of the Emerald Isle that should be well received by fans of the genre. Not as polished as some nor as dark, brooding and consuming as others. But in my continuing quest here at Ave Noctum to find quality folk metal, Celtachor give us a reason to hail new year with our heads, and our swords (but hopefully not plastic ones), held high.
(7.5/10 Reverend Darkstanley)
http://celtachor.bandcamp.com/
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