Album Review: Hand Of Kalliach – Corryvreckan

🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Three Seas
Track 2: Fell Reigns
Track 3: Dìoghaltas
Track 4: Cirein-cròin
Track 5: Deathless
Track 6: The Hubris of Prince Bhreacan
Track 7: Unbroken You Remain
Track 8: The Cauldron
Track 9: Of Twilight and the Pyre

🎸 Album Review:
Hand of Kalliach’s latest offering, ‘Corryvreckan’, is a sonic journey that delves deep into the realms of Celtic folklore and mythology, showcasing the band’s mastery of blending traditional elements with modern metal influences. Released as the band’s fourth studio album, ‘Corryvreckan’ is a testament to Hand of Kalliach’s evolution and growth as a band, delivering a rich and immersive listening experience that captivates from start to finish.

The album opens with “Three Seas”, a haunting instrumental track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The combination of atmospheric synths, intricate guitar work, and powerful drumming creates a sense of foreboding and sets the stage for what is to come. As the album progresses, each track unfolds like a chapter in an epic saga, weaving together themes of heroism, tragedy, and triumph.

Standout tracks such as “Fell Reigns” and “Dìoghaltas” showcase Hand of Kalliach’s ability to seamlessly blend melodic passages with crushing riffs and thunderous drumming. The band’s use of traditional Celtic instruments, such as the tin whistle and bodhrán, adds an authentic touch to the music, creating a unique sound that sets them apart from their peers in the metal scene.

One of the highlights of the album is “Cirein-cròin”, a sprawling epic that clocks in at over eight minutes. The track showcases the band’s songwriting prowess, moving through different tempos and moods with ease. The intricate guitar solos and soaring vocal melodies create a sense of grandeur and drama that is truly captivating.

“Deathless” is another standout track that showcases Hand of Kalliach’s ability to create powerful and emotive music. The track is driven by a relentless rhythm section and features soaring vocal harmonies that add a sense of urgency and intensity to the music.

The album’s midsection features tracks like “The Hubris of Prince Bhreacan” and “Unbroken You Remain”, which showcase the band’s versatility and range. These tracks blend elements of folk metal with more progressive influences, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

“The Cauldron” is a standout track that brings together all of the album’s themes and influences in a powerful and cathartic climax. The track features soaring vocal melodies, blistering guitar solos, and thunderous drumming that combine to create a sense of epic grandeur and triumph.

Closing track “Of Twilight and the Pyre” brings the album to a satisfying conclusion, with its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics leaving a lasting impression on the listener. The track showcases the band’s ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and musically complex, making for a truly memorable listening experience.

In comparison to Hand of Kalliach’s previous albums, ‘Corryvreckan’ represents a significant step forward in terms of songwriting and musicality. The band has honed their sound and crafted an album that is both cohesive and ambitious, pushing the boundaries of their genre while staying true to their roots.

Overall, ‘Corryvreckan’ is a triumph for Hand of Kalliach, showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters. The album is a masterclass in blending traditional Celtic influences with modern metal sensibilities, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. Fans of folk metal and epic storytelling will find much to love in ‘Corryvreckan’, as Hand of Kalliach deliver an album that is as epic and sweeping as the myths and legends that inspired it.