Now here is a band you could expect to find trodding the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains in traditional Irish regalia. Since 2007, CELTACHOR have gained an uncanny popularity in the relatively short amount of time the members have spent together as a band, only becoming a "full working band" in 2010. According to a description on their performance history, they have shared a stage with such legendary acts as ALESTORM, CRUACHAN, PRIMORDIAL, and the Dutch folk metallers in HEIDEVOLK. To me, the invitation of those bands alone, plus more, to perform or tour with them is a statement of just how much potential CELTACHOR possess.

Brandishing the bladed elements of Black Metal, Doom Metal, and Folk Metal, this band have put forth their latest effort in a combined symbiance of the three, "Nuada of the Silver Arm" released on April 24th, 2015. This being their first record released on Trollzorn Records, I would say they picked a fine time to record some of their best work to this date. "Nuada" is a collection of songs whose lyrics are stories from Irish Mythology paraphrased and told by the band.

Stephen Roche's harsh vocals portray a dark overtone to the music and lyrics which fits in with the general direction of the sound the band has achieved. I would personally assert that the vocal element in this case gives off the tonal quality equal to that which is often heard in Black Metal music.

There is however no lack of melodies which are heard on "Nuada." They are beautiful and at times gave me the impression of being dirge-like (in "Uaiuthne: The Dagda's Harp" for example). Also accompanying the usual metal guitars and drums are the more traditional instruments associated with Irish folk music. The Irish flute and bodhram add a classic character to the overall heavy sound. Listen to the album patiently and you will be rewarded with a few nice acoustic segments as well, furthering their case as much, much more than any one-trick pony band.

The nine tracks on the album mesh together well like the stories which are being told. There are a couple of interlude songs spanning about a minute and a half each which serve as worthy preludes to the songs that follow them. In a sense, I feel as though the music is set in sort of an atmospheric presence. There is a recessed sound and a bit of reverb and I felt like I was enveloped by the music and placed in the mythology on which the songs of "Nuada" are based.

And so it can be said and trusted that the "Silver Arm" is flexing its sonic muscles, ready to bear its might on the ears of willing listeners worldwide. Bravo, _CELTACHOR and cheers to an ace album!