Serrated Edge
Tempest · 1992
42 min · 10 tracks · Celtic rock
Folk-infused rock energy weaves through traditional melodies, creating an exhilarating blend of Celtic heritage and modern instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Whiskey in the Jar — This track revitalizes a classic Irish ballad with vibrant instrumentation and compelling vocals, making it a standout representation of Tempest's energetic approach.
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Hal-an-Tow — With its lively tempo and engaging harmonies, this song captures the essence of Celtic folk traditions while showcasing the band’s dynamic performance style.
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The House Carpenter — The haunting arrangement and storytelling quality of this track exemplify Tempest's ability to blend emotional depth with electrifying arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends traditional Celtic melodies with modern rock elements, creating a distinctive sound within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a traditional folk song, immediately establishing its Celtic roots before shifting into more rock-oriented arrangements.
- Several tracks feature intricate instrumental sections where traditional instruments like fiddles and flutes intertwine with electric guitar riffs.
- The pacing varies significantly; the first half maintains an upbeat tempo while the latter half includes slower, more reflective pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- spirited sing-along moments
- energetic dancefloor vibes
- short bursts of excitement
- celebratory gathering atmosphere
Maybe skip if you
- slow and introspective listeners
- fans of lengthy compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1992, Serrated Edge was Tempest's third studio album, following their self-titled debut and the sophomore effort, 'Pagan Place'. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation in the Celtic rock scene, showcasing a maturing sound while maintaining their roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Pogues· Flogging Molly· Dropkick Murphys
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hal-an-Tow 4:13
- 2 Raggle Taggle Gypsy 4:02
- 3 A Kiss in the Morning Early 3:28
- 4 Reels on Fire 3:06
- 5 The House Carpenter 6:57
- 6 Whiskey in the Jar 4:30
- 7 Dark Lover 3:25
- 8 Tam Lin 5:12
- 9 Mad Tom of Bedlam 3:50
- 10 The Ballydesmond Set 4:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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