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. 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. The band had this to say
"We are proud to announce that we have signed with Candlelight records. We look forward to working with this great label as we prepare for the release of our new album and the Rebirth of Cruachan. We are Reborn!! returning to our Extreme Metal roots, reclaiming what we created and are preparing a release which will not only stamp our mark on what we started but also spearhead its revival and return Cruachan to its rightful place as originators and Leaders of Folk metal".The fires have been lit, they are burning and they are burning strong.