One Listen Review
1st Listen 23 Apr 26
Reviewed 27 Apr 26
Cnoc An Tursa
Apocalyptic Witchcraft
Released 24 Apr 26
It has been 9 long years since Scottish black/folk metal trio Cnoc An Tursa released their last album. Finally, we get album number 3, A Cry for the Slain and while many of us hoped it would be here sooner, it has been worth the wait. Many of us assumed that studio work was alien to the boys, but no – they are back, and they have managed to hit it out the park.
To be perfectly blunt, A Cry for the Slain is a superb listen. The 8 tracks on offer deliver more emotions than you could ever imagine. From pulling at your heartstrings, to melting your face, you are captivated for the 44 minute plus run-time. Not a single moment is wasted during the songs. Everything is exactly as it should be, and exactly as you want it. Album opener, ‘Na Fir Ghorma’, with its magnificent ethereal and harmonised choral vocals immediately sets you on alert, then as the track progresses, the riff begins to expand, the head starts nodding and we are away.
‘The Caoinaeg’ follows, and it immediately becomes the song to beat for ‘best track on the album’. Blending true black metal riffs, before melding into folk, the song is
varied, but crucially cohesive. Chant-style vocals are supported by fold harmonies and when the drums explode at the end of the track, you can’t help but be impressed.
Following track, ‘Cailleach and the Guardians of the Seven Stones’ then tries tear you a new one. Careering along like a demented highland cow, the vocals are spat out, the song is aggressive, heavy but still maintains folk roots. It is immense.
I could bang on about each track, extolling its virtues. But the truth of the matter is, each song is superb, with some bordering exceptional. Some songs show hints of Primordial, and there is a certain warmth given off by the riffs and overall approach of A Cry for the Slain. There is even a magnificent nod to Iron Maiden, well, at least I think there is a similar riff for a small section of ‘Alba in my Heart’. You’ll have to check for yourself.
To be honest, nobody knew what to expect from Cnoc An Tursa after such a long lay-off. But for the Scotsmen to come back with every single gun firing as accurately as this, you cannot help but be impressed.
Cnoc An Tursa are the band that you need to listen to. This is a gateway album into folk metal and should stand as a standard-bearer for the genre.
Impeccable.
The DevilsHorns 
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