Photo (from left to right:) Bryan, Alan & Reni.
Credit: Jason Connolly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonconnelly/
We caught a draft of something brewing with Cnoc An Tursa [from Scots Gaelic meaning Hill of Sorrow – Ed] and pressed Reni about the whispering of goings-on.
“A Cry for the Slain [is] a vital link between past and present…”
Haigh Reni, how is the Hill doing?
We have been really busy gearing up for our album launch party at The Banshee Labyrinth in Edinburgh on April 25th— everyone is welcome to join us! We are back to rehearsing as a band and have some exciting shows lined up in Newcastle, the Lake District, and Edinburgh. With plenty more to come.
You have got new album, A Cry for the Slain, on the horizon [out April 24th – Ed.] What got you picking up the old guard after such a long hiatus?
After spending years apart, with everyone exploring different musical projects, we have realized it is time to reconnect and bring our focus back to our true passion. As lifelong friends, writing music together comes naturally to us, and we are excited to embrace our roots once again.
What is the subject of this album and in what way does it stand out from your previous albums?
A Cry for the Slain is a concept album that dives into various Scottish folktales. Starting with the haunting figure of the Caoineag on the cover and delving into the legends like The Big Grey man— Am Fear Liath Mòr. I see A Cry for the Slain as a vital link between past and present— an avenue that connects recorded Scottish history with cultural memories, weaving together ancient folklore and modern expression in a captivating way.
If you had to give it a sub-genre what would you describe it as?
We often get categorized as a folk black metal band. Which is puzzling since none of us actually listen to folk music or play folk instruments. Our influences are rooted more in nineties symphonic black metal. A more fitting description for our sound would be Heritage Black Metal.
“Bryan is quite the Kebab Connoisseur.”
There is a new Highlander movie coming out, which track(s) would you offer for the soundtrack?
It is funny you mentioned the Highlander movie! We have something very cool lined up for our live shows that connects directly to the first film. Although I cannot give away too much just yet. But, regarding a song from our new album I think the outro The Nine Maidens of Dundee would be a good choice. It is an instrumental piece that embodies that cinematic score vibe.
You guys have toured around the world, what food from a country other than Scotland would you like to take home and deep fry?
Cnoc An Tursa has not ventured far overseas just yet, but Bryan and I played with Saor for eight years. We covered quite a few different countries and Bryan is quite the Kebab Connoisseur. I bet if he could, he would smuggle a kebab from Germany and have it deep-fried! Ha! As for me, I would choose an authentic Italian Pizza Margherita. Those deep-fried pizzas from the chippy shops in Scotland really do not cut it!
Lastly, two albums to get to know you?
Pendulum from Twin Tribes and Mr Experience by Donny Benét.
[Edit – Correction of band names and albums.]
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