Keith Fay from Irish folk metallers CRUACHAN is featured in a new audio interview with MetalAssault.com. Topics of discussion include their new album Blood On The Black Robe, being one of the first ever folk metal bands, influences, the early days, the change in line-up, their progress as musicians over the years, past problems with studios, the producer for the new album, and touring plans. Check it out below:

Interview With Keith Fay From Cruachan by Metalassault on Mixcloud

Cruachan inked a deal with Candlelight Records in December 2010. The label issued the following report with the initial announcement:

Cruachan, co-creators of the genre folk metal was founded in 1992 by Keith Fay, John Fay and John Clohessy. With a love of Celtic music, history and mythology, they sought to incorporate these elements into their music and lyrics, on a scale that had never been done before.

With a line-up playing a variety of Irish traditional and conventional metal instruments they released the Celtica demo in 1994, in this year they signed with Nazguls Eyrie Productions from Germany and released their debut album, Tuatha na Gael, in early 1995. The album suffered from poor sound and production as the band were 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 the record.

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 showed a lot of interest in 97’ and arrangements were made for a signing.

"We left “N.E.P.” and negotiated with Century Media. Unfortunately this deal never materialised."

Cruachan continued writing and playing, not only to metal audiences but in Celtic festivals and with internationally renowned acts to a variety of people.

In January 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 October '99 the deal was signed and Cruachan began recording their second album entitled The Middle Kingdom in November '99, this was released in June 2000. During this period Cruachan played shows extensively throughout Ireland.

Folklore, Cruachan’s third album was released in 2002 to huge acclaim. It was recorded by and features vocals by the legendary Shane McGowan of THE POGUES. The single 'Ride On' reached number 40 in the Irish charts. It received high marks in all the top metal magazines. With this album Cruachan toured Europe and headlined festivals in both Germany and Norway.

Pagan is Cruachan's 4th studio 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.

Since Pagan’s release Cruachan have performed all over Europe including two headlining Russian tours and one headlining European tour in 2005, to date they are the only Irish band in history, metal or otherwise, to have toured Russia.

In 2005 Cruachan signed with AFM Records. Their 5th studio album, The Morrigan’s Call, was recorded by Gail Lebling from GAIL OF GOD.

"As of our latest sales statement in February 2009, The Morrigans Call is also our best selling album to date."

Cruachan left AFM in early 2010. At this time vocalist Karen Gilligan left the band and they decided not to replace her and return to their roots and create extreme folk metal music. They recorded a 3-song demo which was only sent to a select few people. A recording contract was signed with Candlelight Records in summer 2010 and recording of their latest album, Blood On The Black Robe, began in November 2010.

More on Cruachan at this location.