Carnún Rising

History

Formerly known as Renewal, formed in Cork City in August '99 by Michael O'Sullivan (Miscreant). Renewal was a common name for many a band, so the name was changed to Carnún Rising in early 2002. Renewal line-up of Colin O'Brien on guitar and Pete Lawlor (Abhor) on bass followed Michael, but new drummer was needed. Soon John Desmond (Junkyard, Pedestal) was found.

Their Iron Maiden influenced pagan/melodic/brutal (depending on who you believe) death metal still retains a highly thrashing element and the band's overtly and unashamed metal attitude comes across clearly in the live situation.

In 2003 the band released their first album under the name Carnún Rising, 'At the Dawn of a New Dark Age' on Acheron Records. The album received great reviews from all quarters, including 9/10 from Metal Observer. Tracks from the CD also appeared on the 'Thrash or Be Thrashed' (an international tribute to thrash) compilation (Blackfish Records), the 'Mother of Mercy' compilation and 'Intoxicated Vol. II'. Also in 2003 John left the band for personal reasons, and there was a break in live shows while they found a new drummer.

In January 2004 Cathal Murphy (Pagan Reign, Mael Mórdha, Karnayna) took over behind the kit. In the same month, Carnún Rising Rising headlined the "METAL am der RUHR" festival in Mulheim, Germany, and a week later supported Entombed at The Village in Dublin. They also played with Abaddon Incarnate at the launch of their new album in Cork. In September '04 Carnún Rising supported Desaster at the Star Club in Mulheim. The track 'Reign of Darkness' from 'At the Dawn...' was released on the Metalworks Magazine compilation.

In March 2005, the band recruited a third guitarist in the person of Ian O'Sullivan (Hallowed, Miscreant) to cope with the demands of their more complex new material.

Carnún Rising played a number of all-ages shows in Cork in 2006, including one with Dismember, and a sold out headline show at the famous Half Moon Club and finally finished off the year by headlining the Acheron Winterfest.

In 2007 the band released 'Vercingetorix' EP. Now, the band are working with their sophomore album, titled 'Bituriges'.

(source: Carnún Rising, March 2009, edited by AM)