CELTACHOR is a Darkened Folk Metal band from Ireland. Established in 2007 as an idea, it became a full working band in 2010, melding the influences of black/doom/folk metal together in one combined force. The band aims to showcase their own vision of Irish Mythology, playing the music with passion and from the heart. CELTACHOR released their first album in November 2012 and their second album under Trollzorn Records in 2015. They now present third, titled "Fiannaiocht," which contains ten new tracks.

"Sons of Morna" is an avenging tale. Solitary lead guitar and recorder notes open the song with a majestic but solemn tone. It soon picks up speed with the lyrics enter, with a Black Metal bite from the vocals. Alternating passages allow for some of the importance of the task that the subject Finn is set to complete. The peaceful outro at the end signifies success. "King of Tara" tells of a mission of death that leads to Finn being hailed as King. The music varies nicely as the story develops, sometimes sounding hasty and expeditious, while other times introspective and thoughtful. "Tuiren" is at first a sad tale, but ends in happiness. The doleful guitar notes and strings tug at your heart and reflect a sense of loss that we have all felt. But the energetic passages are full of resolve and the will of the human spirit. This song is wonderfully crafted and very well thought out.

"The Search for Sabdh" is a tale of loss and heartache. Soft acoustic guitar notes and longing clean vocals announce the sound. The dirge is pretty, but also touching and sad. "Caoilte" is the namesake of a character that overcomes difficult odds to free the subject Finn. It burns with Black Metal resolve and fervor...deep, heavy and powerful at times. "Great Ships Came from over the Waves" is an instrumental transitional piece, setting up the remainder of the story, with traditional Folk instruments. Its delicate harmonies are doleful, as one might imagine by witnessing the gravity of the event that might foretell your doom as a people. The battle begins. "The Battle on the Shore" marks another victory for Finn and the Fianna. Clean vocals and a slow tempo at first set the scene. It soon however turns dark, as swords and shields clash, and bodies begin to pile up. The song takes a sad turn as the battle turns in their favor, and ends on a victorious note.

"Tears of Aoife" is a lamenting flute instrumental; a ritual perhaps of the culture following a battle, or marking the funerals of the warriors. "Cauldron of Plenty" is a battle over riches. Though victory was achieved, it came at a cost, as Finn pushed the body of a friend out to sea. Again, the music is crafted around the tale so well, reflecting the various emotions at turning points in the song. "Dudh, Dun Agus Liath" closes the album. The fighting trio have offered their services to Finn, and the tale comes to a close with Finn as King, and "warriors dead and gone, stags roam the countryside, and the wind sings of the past." Some NWOBHM elements can be heard in this final song, with Folk elements intermingled.

This is a great storytelling album. The cadence of the lyrics in the story and the music are in full sync, and this isn't often heard. Their prose is poetic, running the listener through a bevy of emotions and feelings, making you root for Finn along his varied journey. I highly recommend that you add this unique, thoughtful, and complete album to your collection.