Celtachor – Nuada of the Silver Arm

Releasedate: 24-04-2015; Label: Trollzorn Records
By: Basak Günel

Celtachor is a blackened folk metal band from Ireland. Formed in 2007, it became a full working band in 2010, melding the influences of black/doom/folk metal together in one combined force. The band sees themselves as the narrators of Irish mythology; their main goal is to showcase their own vision of those stories and playing the music with passion and from the heart.

The band’s latest album “Nuada of the Silver Arm” shows a true improvement in their career. The band has taken a step forward in their career with a more unique sound. Generally, the production of the album is much better compared to the band’s previous record and the album draws in the listener from the beginning to the end.

When we are talking about the album, we have to also talk about the stories behind it and this time, the band tells us stories about Tuatha’s High King Nuada; his battles, his kingship and his death in the battlefield. In this sense, the album has an aggressive/dark sound which is perfectly reflected in the harsh vocals as well as the e-guitars. Particularly, those two components really need to be appreciated because it took me back to the raw old-school black/pagan metal era. I gotta say that there aren’t many bands that can pull it off but Celtachor did manage it indeed; they have blended that raw sound with their unique essence. It’s also worth mentioning that the sound of the album has influences not only from black/pagan metal with melodic elements but the album also has that doom-y atmosphere and this made the album even more impressive and dark for sure! My personal favorites are “King Eochaid’s Fall” and “Nuada of the Silver Arm”.

Dark, impressive and interesting… “Nuada of the Silver Arm” is definitely a great record for the lovers of that raw black/pagan metal sound.

Line up:
Stephen Roche – Vocals, Irish Whistle, Bodhran
David Quinn – Guitar
Fionn Stafford – Guitar, Irish Whistle
Oliver Deegan – Bass
Anais Chareyre – Drums, Bodhran

Tracklist: 01. Arrival Of The Tuatha 02. The Mighty Sreng 03. King Eochaid’s Fall 04. Bres 05. Nuada Of The Silver Arm 06. The Gathering at Teamhair 07. Second Battle Of Magh Tuireadh 08. Nuada’s Burial 09. Uaithne: The Dagda’s Harp

Links:
Celtachor Facebook
Celtachor Official