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What is Celtic Metal? A Full Exploration

by Barbara
Eluveitie

Celtic metal is a subgenre of metal music that blends the raw energy and aggression of heavy metal with the rich, mystical, and often ancient elements of Celtic folk music. It incorporates instruments, themes, and melodies from traditional Celtic music, and can range from the use of folk instruments such as bagpipes, fiddles, and flutes, to the incorporation of Celtic myths and legends into lyrics. The resulting sound is unique, combining the heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums of metal with the melodic and rhythmic qualities of traditional Celtic music.

Celtic metal’s rise in popularity has been attributed to both the universality of Celtic culture, which spans many nations in Europe, and the increasing acceptance of folk-inspired elements in metal. In this article, we will explore the origins of Celtic metal, its musical characteristics, key bands, and its cultural significance.

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The Origins of Celtic Metal

Celtic metal emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as part of the broader evolution of folk metal, which itself is a fusion of metal and traditional folk music from various regions of the world. The movement initially began in Europe, where a rich tradition of folk music had already existed for centuries. Many early Celtic metal bands drew inspiration from their homeland’s folklore, music, and history.

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The exact origin of the genre can be traced to the early works of bands such as Skyclad (from the UK) and Cruachan (from Ireland). These bands incorporated Celtic melodies and folk-inspired rhythms into their metal sound, paving the way for the fusion of Celtic and heavy metal that would become known as Celtic metal.

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Early Influences

The influence of Celtic folk music on metal was not sudden. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw an increasing number of heavy metal bands integrating folk elements into their music. Skyclad’s “The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth” (1990) is often cited as one of the first examples of Celtic metal, featuring both electric guitars and traditional folk instruments. The album was groundbreaking because it established the idea that folk music could be intertwined with metal, rather than merely layered on top.

Irish band Cruachan, formed in 1992, is another cornerstone in the genre’s history. Their debut album, “Celtica” (1995), brought together elements of Irish folk music, such as the use of traditional instruments like the tin whistle and the uilleann pipes, with metal’s hard-edged guitars and drumbeats. The band’s lyrical themes often centered on Irish mythology and history, further solidifying their role in the development of Celtic metal.

Musical Characteristics of Celtic Metal

Celtic metal blends two distinct musical styles: metal and Celtic folk music. However, the way these two styles are fused can vary widely depending on the band’s interpretation. Below, we will break down the key elements that define the sound of Celtic metal.

Instrumentation

Celtic metal often incorporates traditional Celtic instruments such as the flute, fiddle, bagpipes, tin whistle, mandolin, and harp, alongside the usual metal lineup of electric guitars, bass, and drums. These folk instruments are used to complement or counterpoint the heavy guitar riffs and fast-paced drumming typical of metal, creating a distinctive sound.

For example, the bagpipes, a hallmark of Scottish and Irish music, provide an atmospheric and sometimes haunting quality to many Celtic metal songs. Similarly, the fiddle adds a melodic element that is often fast-paced, echoing traditional Irish or Scottish folk tunes. These folk instruments are usually played in a way that meshes seamlessly with distorted electric guitars, creating a sound that is both powerful and melodic.

Rhythms and Tempo

The rhythms in Celtic metal are often inspired by traditional Celtic music, which includes various time signatures and rhythmic patterns that can differ from the standard 4/4 time found in much of rock and metal. These rhythms are typically faster and more intricate than standard metal patterns, adding a sense of urgency and energy to the music.

Common time signatures in Celtic metal include 6/8, 3/4, and 9/8, which are characteristic of many traditional folk dance tunes like jigs and reels. These patterns, often accompanied by upbeat drumming, help give Celtic metal its driving energy. However, the genre is also known for its ability to blend slower, atmospheric sections with heavy breakdowns and fast, high-energy moments.

Vocals and Lyrics

Vocals in Celtic metal can range from clean, melodic singing to the more aggressive and distorted vocals commonly found in other metal genres. However, the influence of traditional Celtic folk music is often felt in the vocal delivery, which can be both poetic and expressive. Folk-inspired melodies and harmonies are frequently employed, and many Celtic metal bands use lyrics that draw upon Celtic mythology, history, and nature.

The subject matter of Celtic metal lyrics can vary greatly, but themes of war, nature, heroes, and mythical creatures are common. Bands like Finntroll and Ensiferum incorporate elements of Norse mythology alongside Celtic themes, creating a fusion of two rich mythological traditions.

Key Bands in Celtic Metal

While the genre is home to many notable acts, a few key bands have truly defined Celtic metal over the years. These bands not only helped shape the sound of Celtic metal but also brought it to a larger global audience.

Finntroll

Formed in 1997 in Finland, Finntroll is one of the most influential bands in the Celtic and folk metal scenes. Their unique blend of Celtic folk music with Finnish folk music has earned them a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Their early albums like “Midnattens Widunder” (2004) are known for their aggressive metal riffs combined with folk-inspired melodies and rhythms.

Though the band incorporates elements of both Finnish and Celtic folk traditions, their music embodies the spirit of Celtic metal, with a focus on mythological themes, fast tempos, and intricate folk instrumentation.

Eluveitie

Eluveitie, a Swiss folk metal band formed in 2002, is one of the leading bands in the Celtic metal scene. The band’s music blends melodic death metal with traditional Celtic folk music, using instruments like the mandolin, bagpipes, and hurdy-gurdy alongside traditional metal instruments. Their lyrics often draw from ancient Celtic history, folklore, and language, particularly in albums like “Slania” (2008), which gained them significant international recognition.

Eluveitie’s unique blend of death metal and Celtic folk creates a dark yet melodic atmosphere that stands out in the Celtic metal subgenre.

Turisas

Turisas, hailing from Finland, is another prominent name in the Celtic and Viking metal scenes. Their use of orchestral elements and folk instruments gives their music an epic, cinematic quality. While their primary focus is on Norse and Viking themes, the influence of Celtic music is undeniable, especially in their use of traditional instruments like the violin and accordion, which add a folk dimension to their heavy sound.

Albums such as “The Varangian Way” (2007) are perfect examples of how the band mixes epic storytelling with powerful metal riffs and folk melodies.

Cruachan

As mentioned earlier, Cruachan is a seminal band in the Celtic metal genre. Hailing from Ireland, the band has been incorporating traditional Irish music into their metal sound since 1992. Albums like “The Morrigan’s Call” (2006) are filled with tales of Irish mythology, featuring the band’s signature blend of black metal, death metal, and traditional Irish folk melodies. Their use of traditional instruments, such as the tin whistle and fiddle, helps bring Celtic folklore to life in their music.

Cruachan’s emphasis on historical and mythical themes, alongside their skillful integration of traditional folk instruments, makes them one of the best-known bands in the Celtic metal scene.

The Cultural Significance of Celtic Metal

Celtic metal is more than just a musical genre; it is a celebration of Celtic culture, history, and mythology. By blending ancient musical traditions with modern metal, Celtic metal bands help keep the stories of the Celtic peoples alive for new generations. The genre also serves as a way for people to reconnect with their roots, especially for those with Celtic ancestry.

In addition to its cultural significance, Celtic metal’s use of folk instruments and melodies has broadened the scope of metal music, allowing for more diverse sounds and influences within the genre. The blending of aggressive metal with more melodic and folk-driven passages has also helped to attract fans from both the metal and folk music worlds.

See Also: What Amp Did Metallica Use?

Conclusion

Celtic metal is a vibrant and evolving genre that fuses the aggression and power of heavy metal with the rich traditions of Celtic folk music. From its early beginnings in the late 1980s to its modern-day manifestations, the genre has remained a unique and influential force within the larger world of metal. Key bands like Skyclad, Cruachan, Eluveitie, and Finntroll have paved the way for Celtic metal’s success and continue to push the boundaries of what this genre can achieve.

Celtic metal is not only a musical style but also a celebration of Celtic culture, history, and mythology, offering a powerful and emotional connection to ancient traditions. As the genre continues to evolve and expand, it is clear that Celtic metal will remain an important and cherished part of the broader metal community for years to come.

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