CLAYMORE

Forget everything you’ve ever thought you knew about Celtic rock bands, because Melbourne-based outfit, Claymore, defies all expectations. Few bands can pull off the sensitive task of integrating the traditional realm into the modern day, but that’s something of a specialty for Claymore. N…

Forget everything you’ve ever thought you knew about Celtic rock bands, because Melbourne-based outfit, Claymore, defies all expectations. Few bands can pull off the sensitive task of integrating the traditional realm into the modern day, but that’s something of a specialty for Claymore. Not only that, but they manage to write beautiful original Celtic compositions, and even lend their style to some power rock classics, all with a distinctive Irish and Scottish twist.

Now recognised as the premier Australian Celtic band in international circles, Claymore have a host of impressive album releases under their belt and a long list of festival performances to their name, including the headline position at Australia’s largest folk events. The band has an unquenchable desire to deliver a powerful and unique musical experience, and that’s exactly what they do – so it’s no surprise they’re a leader in the Gaelic genre. Since the band’s inception more than two decades ago, they’ve released five impressive albums, and performed internationally from gigs in New York, Scotland and New Zealand, to several headline appearances at the reputed Festival Interceltique De Lorient (France). Combine this with performances at the biggest festivals on the Australian circuit such as the National Celtic Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Big Blues Day Out, Perth International Arts Festival and Brunswick Music Festival to name a few, and you’ve got an impressive musical resume.