In the middle of the last decade there was a flourish of bands specialised in Pagan / Folk Metal. Definitely, the lovers of the kind remember albums from CRUACHAN, WAYLANDER etc. Folk elements invaded in all kinds of metal (SUMMONING, PRIMORDIAL, FINNTROLL, WOLFCHANT, ELUVEITIE). SUIDAKRA, from Germany, was one of the bands that formed during that period and now, by counting fifteen years of existence are about to release their 9th studio album Crogacht from Wacken Records.

With an affection for the Irish, and generally the gaelic sound, Crogacht (meaning bravery) is a concept album, as it's predecessor Caledonia (2006), unveiling the story of the Irish mythological hero Cuchulainn. Having this for a start, the album introduces the listener from the very first seconds into the mystic and ancient environment with the instrumental Slΰn and then dynamically enters with the next three tracks, to grab you and put you in the agony of the battlefield. Conlaoch, sustains the bagpipe sound strong together with the guitars, Isle Of Skye keeps the vigorousness with extra cry outs although it gives an extra thrust on the epic side with chorus vocals, and Scαthach continues likewise.  The melodic Feats Of War with the voice of Tina Stabel and the acoustic guitar, has a boost of folk feeling. Probably is going to be the song that will stuck in your mind the most.

As this album has the tendency of changing from melodic to aggressive in a remarkable way, Shattering Swords unravels to more aggressive paths with fast guitars, storming blast beats and keyboard highlights. Ar Nasc Fola turns again to melodic parts with acoustic guitars, while the sound of flute is adding up more to the atmosphere tried to be described.  War tempo drums, misty fields, for the ones knowing the story, the music connects perfectly.
The last two tracks end this concept album in the same way as it started. Gilded Oars combines keyboard with sharp guitars and enormous percussion sound with an epic cut. This enhanced vigorous atmosphere passes to the last track Baile's Strand, with choir keyboards, folk cuts enriched with heavy sound and narrative parts to give place again to belligerent level, it could be assumed that this last track wraps up all the elements the album offers.

Metal combined with celtic sounds, it is not unconventional nowadays, but SUIDAKRA, existing already fifteen years, is one of the first line bands. Obviously the production walks together with the technology of the era but for sure this album has lot of elements from the pioneers of the kind. Peculiarly, with CRUACHAN's masterpiece Tuatha Na Gael, (which has also a track dedicated to Cuchulainn) and WAYLANDER. Harsh vocals, blend with traditional spirit, fast riffs and epic melodies. An album that should get it's place in your pagan/folk metal collection.