Crógacht cover

Crógacht

Suidakra · 2009

41 min · 9 tracks · folk metal

A vibrant blend of Celtic melodies and heavy metal riffs that transports listeners to the mythic landscapes of ancient Ireland.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Isle of Skye — This track showcases an exquisite balance between melodic guitar work and atmospheric keyboards, embodying the album's exploration of Celtic landscapes and legends.
  • →
    Scáthach — Named after the legendary warrior woman from Irish mythology, this song's powerful riffs and dynamic vocals highlight Suidakra's storytelling prowess.
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    Baile's Strand — The lengthy composition captures a dramatic narrative arc, utilizing tempo changes and intricate arrangements to depict a key moment from Irish folklore.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Crógacht effectively combines Celtic melodies with metal, showcasing strong musicianship and a cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a traditional Celtic melody in 'Slán' before transitioning into heavy metal riffs, establishing its folk metal identity.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • epic melodies for adventurous spirits
  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • vivid storytelling through music
  • immersive experience of folklore

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, concise tracks
  • dislike intricate musical narratives

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Crógacht is Suidakra's sixth studio album, following the 2006 release of Command to Charge. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the folk metal genre, combining traditional elements with aggressive instrumentation and lyrical themes rooted in mythology.
Stylistic neighbors
Eluveitie· Finntroll· Korpiklaani

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Slán 1:48
  • 2 Conlaoch 5:18
  • 3 Isle of Skye 6:00
  • 4 Scáthach 5:09
  • 5 Feats of War 2:47
  • 6 Shattering Swords 4:15
  • 7 Ár Nasc Fola 3:01
  • 8 Gilded Oars 5:36
  • 9 Baile's Strand 7:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata