Suidakra Crogacht
by Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer
Formed in Dusseldorf, Germany fifteen years ago, Suidakra (Arkadius spelled backwards) has released its ninth full length album on SPV Records. It is entitled Crógacht which is the Gaelic word for bravery.
It is an interpretation of the traditional Irish story “The Death of Aoife’s Only Son.”
The music is generally categorized as melodic death/black metal with a heavy slant towards Celtic Folklore.
The music as a whole is very bland and void of any real excitement. Much of it either flirts with melancholy or borders on depressing. And none of the instrumentation sticks out and grabs you the way it should.
The best of the record is the female vocals heard on “Feats of War,” that are lovely peaceful and slightly melancholy. If pressed to give a best song, it would have to be “Isle of Skye” where Arkadius uses acoustic guitars, electric guitars extreme vocals and traditional ones to a solid effect.
Many refer to this band along with Norse metal acts like Amon Amarth as being Pagan metal, but in that category it lacks much to compete. For a band that has been around since 1994, one would expect a lot more energy and technical musicianship.
With cool cover art, excellent promotion and a North American Tour (Pagan Knights 2009) much more is expected from the actual release. Sadly Suidakra did not deliver.
SPV has had many winners lately including a tremendous effort from Kreator, but sadly this record scores very low and falls flat on its face.
This record is not recommended for purchase.
Band Members:
Arkadius “Akki” Antonik -Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Marcus Riewaldt -Bass
Lars Wehner -Drums, Backing Vocals
Track Listing
1. Slán
2. Conlaoch
3. Isle of Skye
4. Scáthach
5. Feats of War
6. Shattering Swords
7. Ár Nasc Fola
8. Gilded Oars
9. Baile’s Strand
HRH Rating: 4.5/10