In the Halls Of Our Ancient Fathers by CELTACHOR reviewed

So says the title, I reviewed CELTACHOR demo...

Let’s start by the artwork that shows you fast the celtic theme from the band but when I look at it from far distance, I find it shame the bandlogo is smaller than others…

About the bandlogo still, it reminds me the Cruachan one. Maybe that “celtic” side & “Ireland” helps ? Heh but that “C” …Cruachan is a great band but one more original Celtachor logo would have been better imo. 

Ogham feat. on the cd & means ”Tuireann” & "Cian" (Lugh’s father).

There are lyrics in the booklets making that last like a book & a special note on first page explaining what this cd is about: “The demo covers the rise of Lugh […] & sorrow & grief that fell on the sons of Tuireann for the killing of Cian”. […] - Appreciated.

1. Nemed's Wake

About Nemed: wiki

This track is a soft non-metal instrumental one within some 8 beats that come in times to times.

I know it really really really has nothing to do with but for you to give an idea of the high/low part here, its aspect makes me think to “Drain you” verse (strings) by “Nirvana”. Hope you heard it. :)

That’s rather a really soft track introducing fine “the rise of Lugh” that is the following song, since the wake begun from 1.23’. Its rather classical here… If you like that japanim “Mononoke” or Joe Hisaishi stuff… well this part reminds me that one that I appreciate then if you do too, so you’ll like that tune. x)

After that part are blanks no more concerning the beats… The rise can begin then…

2. The rise of Lugh

About Lugh.

Part 1: The song starts with raged guitars drawing the rise then everyone’s here at 0.23.

Part 2: I can’t stop to think to “Fier” song by “Hellebaard” when I hear those together in this part….
Maybe they don’t know Hellebaard tho… Hellebaard isn’t as known as Ensiferum or something too. 

At least I appreciate those heavy beats & drummer work in all in that song.

Part 3: Whistles appear at 0.37 for 30 sec. They’re ok, its nicely played but I don’t know, that’s nothing more by now (at least for me). 

Then singing is back for a 4th part. Guitars are good in the song but they seem more fun right here, more picking. :)

The Hellebardian part (2) comes back at 2.09. Next is whistles one ‘til 2.36. 

Part 5: the guitars, among the singing, insist on something, harder somewhere… until ….

Part 2: …the whistles part without guitars behind, that time.

Part 5 is back. 4.20 is the part 4 & next is the second part.

Part 6: Whistles are at 5.05 and finally, I can use the word “celtic” describing them. Very Happy

This longer whistles part playing with tones is nicely played & remind me the location of the band.

Guitars play same riff like under their part 2 while the whistles are in the song – except the whistles solo part.

Well, music, singing is good in this song but I’m a bit disappointed...

- Because of the Hellebaard relation

- Because the “kelt” thingy appears at deep end only…

The problem is music reflects fine that “rise” but what about “Lugh” ? …………

However, the music is good with its lyrics when we follow them.

3. In the Halls of Nuada 

About Nuada

The song starts by some very nice whistles parts because of “the Halls of Nuada”, and guitars appear during the next 30 sec. & turn this song into metal. 

Drummer & singing enter next while the guitars are telling the story together with the singer. No whistles there & rather slow tempo. The song is about Lugh, still…. Nuada, of course… the Fomor, war… then I let you imagine the guitars mood. :)

Hmmm While the riff changes to higher tone For Lugh speech about his skills at 1.10… I wonder if using a megaphone wouldn’t be good ? Me & my "suggestions"…. lol but maybe it could go fine with guitars etc behind… x) But for that part only...

Tempo’s going faster at 1.53 & tell us a war will be (against the fomor). That riff makes my head dancing. Riff changes at 2.23 & giving more weight to the lyrics but I notice the strings are badly pulled after the singer said “prepare”. Sad

Yet another riff at 2.50 & the very first one’s coming back at 3.19 and then is that headbanging riff & well the structure is back & the end.

I think that song for a future album could be good. This is the whole opposite from the previous one.

Congrats! But he needs to work on the pull thingy or to change the instrument….

4. A warning to Balor

The song starts with kool drums then kool riff BUT !! A warning to David!!! Very Happy

Happy riff & Balor??? How come? Pfff!

About Balor btw: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balor

“That one just can’t feel those lyrics & he rather make lyrics like a joke, making false the other members!” At least, that’s what I’d think if I knew only that song!

Drums are ok although more games would have been appreciated more & lyrics are good…

But this song is just good for trash…

Well, 1.58 is a break & then some riff….I wonder what those are saying……..

but then singin’ is back (2.24). 2.50 some palm muted riffs until to mute no more…..for balor’s wrath.. And then is war proclaimed, so the riff must be happy… “of course”

I am very very very VERY DISAPPOINTED by this song!!!

5. Riders of the Fomor

The song starts with some guitar noise, bass & some strong beats – The riders are coming. 

Then more picking are… and the singin’ can be. Strong riffs, strong drums… Whistles can be heard after this verse (0.52) turning this song celtic metal more.

1.17 is a new ‘n’ good riff & way of singing…. Still strong within some amazing beats Viking

1.40 about: higher tone & anger: The Fomor ready for battle. Next are frightening riffs sliding here & there. The singer didn’t stop his singing yet…

Back on the riff from 1.17 ‘til all members stop to play. 

One beat & then we’re back on the 1st riff. 3.17 to 3.40 is whistles part.

Then way of playin for all is different but structure is almost same…

Well, This is a good track but it seems like the singer messes up a little while singing…. Not focused enough or don’t know…/

6. The Sons of Tuireann and the blood fine

The song starts with nice whistles & those last follow to its next part within rhythmic strings instruments making this track powerful. That is the main riff of the song. So, the guitars follow but that first instr. is giving its turn to the vocals (0.57).

1.26 riff changes 2 times. Very metal. Then we’re back on main riff while the singer is deep in the story.

2.35 to 3.04 : the song is going faster. 3.04: Back to normal rhythm but with some others & amazing guitar parts. 

4.14 is the main riff until a break to 4.42.

4.48 are some long notes following the beats. All together but the singer is having a break (still) well deserved. That last restarts his work from 5.02 to 5.30. Then, we can hear the nice instrument that introduced this song. Others are still around.

But…

…I am very very very VERY GLAD!!!

To be included in a future cd !! : D

Well worked song & music feat. fine with the lyrics/story. Great! \m/

7. The Wavesweeper

The tune starts with a guitar starting slow to end its riff fast & the whole thing returns. I’m not amazed for now. Ah, it’s waking at 0.50. Rather shy strings at beginning of the main riff but it feels better when his friend is singing around: full power.

Drum is ok while this time… Nothing more.

1.32 the guitarist’s waken, finally! But that kind of playing style’s being too much…. (at least for me). I don’t mean in this song but in all….

2.01 is being more interesting musically & is maybe the best part in this song.

2.16 to 2.20… That part doesn’t go fine in the song… wouldn’t this part been better coming back progressively on tone from the next than to stay at the same level?

Then is that part from 0.50 & its next. Only lyrics change….

3.02 the quality of the material really doesn’t help the band…./ (is it bass making that strange sound? 0_o) The guitarist tries to make something worrying but it just doesn’t work because of that…./

Usually, I rather don’t speak about quality of demos in reviews but here is so…..

Anyway, that’s not mistake of band… So good.

The main riff is back to 3.30. So is the one from 2.01 & then is the riff in between (1.32).

4.58 is a break ‘til the drummer’s having some fun (5.05), at last! 5.12 strings are attacked & now we have an angry drummer… Well! That end was just ok. x) To be honest, that song isn’t outstanding…

To conclude :

I have read that booklet like I’d read a book about Irish mythology and I have to say these lyrics of songs are well written, & respect fine their mythology. One by one, the story follows… Awesome, it was & so big congrats to the songwriter!

Now about music, “The Sons of Tuireann and the blood fine” & “In the Halls of Nuada “are the best tracks from this material. The guitar player plays fine but he needs to feel those lyrics & Ireland. That’s his main problem I think… About the drummer: more games WANTED !!! 

Their singer/whistler/songwriter looks like a passionate. Great to hear & read!