Dál Riata – M2TM 2026
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Band name: Dál Riata
Location: Glasgow
Genre(s): Melodic death metal, power metal, folk metal
Glasgow heat: https://www.eventim-light.com/uk/a/64e4bd9fe21f656bd75a0c93/e/693195b15e496e1e628141df
Dál Riata have long been cultivating metal tales of myth and legend. It has taken them on travels throughout the land, while weaving together their own story. When asked about their greatest adventures, the band reply:
“Supporting Paul Masvidal and Aephanemer.”
“It was awesome to share a stage with a band and musician that we’ve loved for years and have been a big inspiration to us. Aephanemer have really paved the way for mixed genre melodeath bands and Paul Masvidal, is Paul Masvidal. The legend himself who helped found the genre of death metal in itself. Another big highlight was going on our first tour end of last year. Travelling 1000 miles and getting to meet so many amazing people and seeing how far our music has reached was a brilliant experience.“
In 2024, they released their debut, self-titled album, delving into all the mythology and folklore that heavily inspires the band.
“You’ll be able to hear a mix of songs from our debut album and our upcoming EP at the show on Thursday” they reveal.
By way of example, “The Nine Maidens of Dundee is based in Scottish folklore. As the legend goes, a farmer sends his nine daughters one by one to fetch a pail of water, despite none of them returning. He eventually realises they have been eaten by a ravenous dragon. People from the nearby village gather to slay the dragon and are led by a villager named Martin, who strikes the killing blow. Supposedly, this is where Strathmartine comes from – it was originally known as Strike-Martin and was the site of the dragon’s defeat.“
“Put All to the Sword tells the tragedy of the Glencoe massacre of 1692, when Scottish government forces conspired to murder over 30 men, women and children of the MacDonald clan. It derives its title form the order given to Captain Robert Campbell, the leader of the band who committed the tragedy, by the secretary of state Lord Stair.“
“Our EP has a lot of our newer songs in Gàidhlig…“
“…and will include Gàidhlig bonus tracks of some of our most popular songs. Celebrating Celtic history and mythology and embracing the Gàidhlig language has always been the focus from the early years of the band and we can’t wait to share that with you. Tapadh leibh, agus an coinnich sinn a-rithist ann an Tír na nÓg!“
They’ll not be putting their axes down for long either. A new chapter, it seems, is rapidly approaching…
“We’re in the process of tracking our next album” they tell.
“With Connor joining us a year ago on the fiddle it’s really changed our sound (for the better) and we’d love to share that. We’re utilising our Gàidhlig skills a lot more and really digging into the elements of Celtic history and mythology that inspired us in the first place, both in lyrics and in music. We’re also planning on getting some music videos done for this that help with the story telling and demonstrate visually who we are, and playing a lot more shows across the UK. We’re excited to play Metal 2 The Masses in our hometown and share the stage with such amazing talent, and we will see you all on February the 12th at Audio!“
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Dál Riata – M2TM 2026
