Cruachan is recognized as one of the founders of Folk Metal genre.
With a focus on Celtic music and the use of Celtic mythology in their lyrics, Cruachan known as Celtic metal. Cruachan combine Black Metal with Irish folk music, classical music is complex and ancient songs of the Middle Ages.
Cruachan use some traditional instruments in their music, including Tin whistle, Irish Flute, Bódhran (handheld drum of the ancient goat skin), Uilleann pipes, Harp, Bouzouki (Greek guitar originally, but has been adopted into Irish and Scottish music.)
Cruachan disbanded in 1997, and in January 1999 Cruachan reformed again.
Member:
* Keith "Fay" O'Fathaigh - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Bodhrán, Banjo, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Percussion (1992-1997, 1999-Present)
* John "Fay" O'Fathaigh - Tin Whistle, Irish Flute, Uilleann Pipes, Low Whistle (1992-1997, 1999-2002, 2003, 2008-Present)
* John Clohessy - Bass (1992-1997, 1999-Present)
* John Ryan Will - Tin Whistle, Violin, Banjo, Bouzouki, Keyboards (2004-Present)
* Colin Purcell - Drums, Percussion (2007-Present)
Former Members:
* Karen Gilligan - Vocals, percussion (1999-2008)
* Aisling Hanrahan - Vocal
* Leon Bias - Guitar, Mandolin, Bouzouki
* Jay O'Niell - Drums, Percussion
* Joe Farrell - Drums, Percussion (2000-2007)
* Collete O'Fathaigh - Keyboard
* Edward Gilbert - Keyboard, Tin Whistle, Banjo, Acoustic Guitars (2001-2003)
Discography:
* Celtica [demo] (1994)
* Tuatha Na Gael (1995)
* The Middle Kingdom (2000)
* Ride On [Single] (2001)
* A Celtic Trilogy [compilation] (2002)
* Folk-Lore (2002)
* Pagan (2004)
* The Morrigan's Call (2006)
* The Very Wild Rover [single] (2006)
* A Celtic Legacy [compilation] (2007)
* Promo '97 [demo] (1997)
* Untitled [demo] (2010)
* Blood on the Black Robe (2011)
