To date, I’ve never had anyone, in any circumstance, relate to me that “Irish pagan metal” was an interest of theirs. Too bad, perhaps, because Cruachan have been carrying the torch for the movement for the past two decades. Even the laughable Pagan elements can be ignored in a reckless headbanging frenzy.
Having returned to the hard-hitting Darkthrone-esque black metal sound that first won them attention, long-time fans will be pleased to be rid of the folksier elements that typified their last four albums. Conversely, newer fans may miss the softly-struck traditional Irish instrumentation – which never gets more than a supporting role on this album - as well as the soothing vocals of Karen Gilligan.
The atmosphere-inducing “To War” leads nicely into “I Am Warrior”, which speaks of old-time nationalist death and/or glory, and the pace neglects to lessen on “The Column”, which is even less apologetic in its stance. Strangely, for an album billed as black metal, Keith Fay’s vocals are easily understood. On paper, the lyrics are unspectacular at best, but Fay’s rasped delivery gives major urgency to the words almost as if each word were a passionate battle cry.
Lamentably, tracks such as “Thy Kingdom Gone” and “Pagan Hate” tread much too heavily in the black metal mire closing considerable distinction as a result. The former, in particular, has a cringeworthy redressing of a Christian prayer for a mid-section. Even the most irreligious listener may turn down his stereo during this part.
In terms of production, the band has never sounded so crisp. However, the over-reliance on thrashing guitars may explain this. With so little use of violin, flute or other favoured instruments of past albums, the band was catering for much less overlapping. For a band who have continually struggled to meet their own production ideals, this album marks a qualified success.
“Blood on the Black Robe” marks a partial return to form for the long-running Dublin act, and while it may alienate some of the fans who caught on when they recorded with Shane MacGowan, it’ll no doubt win over a good few more fans in the metal world. The absence of Karen Gilligan is clearly apparent, but even clearer is Cruachan’s collective will to re-establish a traditional black metal sound. Better let them do so.