Fifteen years and nine albums in, Suidakra’s Crogacht is not only exactly what you would expect form the band but an inviting return to their earlier sound. The past few albums had some missteps (2005’s Command to Charge comes to mind) but 2006’s Caledonia showed the band coming around. What is displayed on 2009’s Crogacht is more primitive and archaic like the most of their earlier albums (Signs for the Fallen, Emprise to Avalon, The Arcanum, ect…) and preserves their sound as one of the more notable in the genre.

Crogacht (meaning bravery) is a concept album instilled with Irish mythology surrounding a legendary tale of Cuchulainn’s epic journey to the Isle of Skye where he seeks to learn the arts of war. War, being the main theme of the bands music and art is presented in a rousing and epic fashion which always gives me goose bumps. “Conlaoch” slams in with thunderous drums, heroic chords, and bagpipes which give a great sense of what is in store. Most of the songs on Crogacht have a build up effect to them before the battle begins.

“Isle of Skye” is my personal favorite with nasty blasts, a great raspy cry from lead man Arkadius screaming “Isle of Skye,” and classic Irish chants with acoustic strumming in the break section. The intensity only mounds thicker throughout the CD with only one break for a more traditional folk song with female vocalist Tina Stabel on “Feats of War.” One thing I have learned over the years with Suidakra is that Irish folk music is catchy as hell. “Feats of War” will have you singing along and stomping your feet.

The only downfall to Crogacht is the fact that nothing sticks or sets itself apart from previous albums. To a fan like me that’s just fine and dandy because, that’s Suidakra. I really don’t want a change. As long as these guys keep kicking as much ass as they have been over the years I’m perfectly content. This band doesn’t cover new territory, but they do one hell of a job at creating a dark, war-like landscape. Melodic death metal fans and black metal fans alike can find home in Crogacht, and if you like your extreme metal powerful and intense, this is it.

Longtime guitar player and vocalist Marcel Schoenen left the band to focus more on his job. Apparently he wasn’t much for touring anyway. As much of a surprise as this was for me (the guy is way fucking talented) Suidakra are now a three piece touring in the states and moving forward as they climb the ladder and become leaders in the genre. This band rivals Ensiferum in my humble opinion and they have been deserving attention for quite sometime. It’s all here folks, razor sharp guitars, folky harmonies, clear extreme vocals, and some of the best drumming you will hear in the genre, all cut with a dark edge. Check this out as well as the rest of their catalogue and see what mysteries metal has been hiding.

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