Cruachan

Cruachan (pronounced [ˈkɾˠuəxən̪ˠ]) is an Irish folk metal band formed in Dublin in 1992 by multi-instrumentalist Keith Fay. Focusing on Celtic music and Celtic mythology in its lyrics, Cruachan plays Celtic metal. The band, named after the ancient capital of the kingdom of Connacht, has released nine studio albums, has been recognised as a founder of folk metal, and has been acclaimed as having "gone the greatest lengths of anyone in their attempts to expand" the genre. As of 2026, the lineup features Keith Fay on vocals, guitars, and various folk instruments; bassist Joe Farrell; David Quinn on guitar; Audrey Trainor on violin; and drummer Sterling Paterson.