Cruachan is the creation of founding member Keith Fay, his brother John Fay and long time friend John Clohessy. With a love of Celtic music, history and mythology, they sought to incorporate this into their music and lyrics, on a scale that had never been done before. With a complete line-up playing a variety of traditional and conventional instruments and a lot of original songs under their belt, they signed with “Nazguls Eyrie Productions” from Germany and released their debut album “Tuatha Na Gael” in early 95'. Heavy metal interlaced with Celtic tunes….. people around the world fell in love with this ancient sound. In hindsight the album suffered from poor sound and production as the band were very new to studio recording. Regardless, the album became by far the number one seller for the label despite selling out quickly in the few shops it was available in, not being replaced and not being promoted. As a result a lot of people who read the excellent reviews could not get their hands on it. Cruachan went into studio again in early 97' and recorded a four-song promo with a new female folk singer (Aisling). The new material was a lot more heavy rock orientated. The promo was for record labels only.

Century Media Records from Germany showed a lot of interest in 97' and arrangements were made for a signing. We left “N.E.P.” and negotiated with Century media. Cruachan eventually pulled out of the deal, they felt that Century media offered no freedom and the label had too much control over the writing of material. Cruachan continued writing and playing, not only to rock /heavy metal audiences but in Celtic festivals and with internationally renowned acts to a variety of people, In Jan. 99' Keith and John Fay decided it was time to source a fresh record deal as fans kept writing asking about the possibility of a second album. “Hammerheart records” from Holland were keen to sign them, in Oct. 99' the deal was sorted and Cruachan began recording their second album entitled “The Middle Kingdom” in Nov. 99', this was released in June 2000.

Since signing with Hammerheart Cruachan have been playing shows extensively throughout Ireland. They have supported Shane Mac Gowan and the Popes on two occasions in 2001, in Dublin's Olympia theatre and University College Dublin. They took part in the Heineken green energy festival in summer 2001 and play regularly at Eamon Doranns in Dublin's Temple Bar area.

Folklore, Cruachan's third album was released in 2002 to huge acclaim. It was recorded by and features vocals by the legendary Shane Mc Gowan of the Pogues. The single “Ride On” reached number 40 in the Irish charts. It received high marks in all the top Metal Magazines (Rock Hard, Legacy, Aardshock etc.). With this album Cruachan toured Europe and headlined festivals in both Germany and Norway.

Pagan is Cruachans latest album and was released in April 2004. Again this album has been regarded as a breakthrough in folk metal and once more received fantastic reviews. The cover artwork was painted by John Howe, the artist from The Lord of the Rings movies. A European tour is being planned for this album. Cruachan played the Bloodstock festival in the UK in September 2004 and were regarded by the organisers as the best band there, they have also toured Russia again in 2005 and will be touring Russia again along with other eastern European countries in October 2005. This tour combined with their European tour in September mean that finally Cruachan are out were they belong, playing live for their fans. In the summer of 2005 Cruachan ended their partnership with Karmageddon Media and signed with Black Lotus records in Greece. They needed a label that could support them as they take the next step on their musical crusade and Black Lotus are the label that can do.

Source: Label Officiel: http://www.black-lotus-recs.com