I've been to seen Celtic Legacy twice recently. I'd heard there was a cheesy trad-rock band doing the rounds and thought it would make a pleasant diversion from all the Death Metal shows we seem to have had of late in Dublin.
The first was a quiet warm-up in the Voodoo Lounge and I was impressed, to say the least. Here was a band doing the 80s thing and doing it remarkably well. Yes, it was cheesy but, hey, in my book, if it ain't cheesy - it ain't Metal. What really stood out on this occasion was singer, Mark Guildea - a combination of Halford, Tate and Lynott - pure class.

The second show was the launch for the 'Resurrection' album at Temple Bar Music Centre - a charity event during which the band handed over a cheque for 2000 euro to Philomena Lynott. They'd obviously been tightening up their set. Together with a lethal sound, this gig blew all there away. And, by all accounts, the band went on to do the same at the Rosetta the following night.

This is what led me to pick up a copy of 'Resurrection', albeit with some trepidation - I thought 20euros was a bit steep and, frankly, I like my Metal a bit more Metal. However, it turned out to be worth every cent.

From the thunder and lightning intro to the 10-minute rock epic of the title track, this album spills out cliché after rock cliché. But it is done so impeccably: the songwriting is superb, the vocalist is world class and, for once, the Celtic influences merge seamlessly with the hard rock soundscape.

There are 4 main reasons why you should own this album: the first 4 tracks. 25 years ago each would have been a classic in its own right, but anyone with any knowledge of hard rock will find just as much relevance in these driving rock ditties today. A Clannad-inspired intro, 'The Fallen', leads into the fiery 'Live By The Sword' - so catchy you'll be humming it after one listen. So good, in fact, that I'm going to ignore the fact that the chorus bears a more than striking resemblance to 'Power Of My Sword' by Manowar. Next up is 'Guardian Angel'. This has a real Lizzy vibe to it, especially in the vocal department. Although my advice to Mark would be: don't bother - you're good enough doing your own thing!

Next up is title track, 'Resurrection', this is CL's 'Stairway', if you will - a 10 minute epic building from a ballad to a driving orgasmic climax - almost Pantera in its staccato intensity - before retreating effortlessly down to the outro. Finally 'Children of the Sky' comes with Lizzy comparisons aplenty, but with a real Celtic edge and a more contemporary feel to the chorus.

I've been trying hard to find a filler on this album, but I haven't had much success. 'Timeless' came closest. 'Sloidephuch Doin' provides the full-on reel/jig instrumental - if you fancy a boogie! Then we're back to the hard rocking with 'Shine'. 'Always the Hero', 'Shadows of Moonlight' and 'When a Stranger Calls' wind things up strongly with a splash of Dokken-Queensryche panache.

If I had any criticisms, it would be the guitars perhaps aren't as heavy as they could be - but that's a matter of personal preference. So I'm going to stick my neck out and give this the full 5 on the Tazzometer. This is a brave album; self-produced, but no demo. This was recorded over a period of some 6 months at The Art Of Sound in Dublin. Released 25 years ago, it would have assured massive success, but this is not 1980 and, like it or not, tastes have changed. The fact that a record of this calibre has come from an Irish stable is triumph enough.

Right now, the band is heading off for a few gigs in Germany and there are rumours that a German lable will pick them up. The popularity of Metal there, coupled with the Irish influences in their sound, guarantees they'll go down a storm. Meanwhile we'll just have to hope and pray they come back.

Celtic Legacy isn't going start a whole new movement in Metal; it's too late for that, but they will put Ireland back on the Metal map. And, if supported, could inject some much needed new energy into the scene. What's more, I can't think of another band in Ireland today that sums up more concisely what this site is all about.

Quite simply, this is best hard rock band to come out of Ireland since Lizzy and, if you don't believe me, try putting this CD on instead of <insert seminal rock album of your choice from the 80s> this weekend. Because, if, a couple of years from now, you still don't own this record, then you can't really moan that the rock scene is dead - because you will be partly responsible.

Tazzometer rating: TTTTT

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BAND AT WWW.CELTIC-LEGACY.COM