Calin from Gun Ghaol: "We want to reach the entire continent with music in Gaelic"

On Monday, April 27th, we managed to do an interview with a band that none of you will probably know. It's a Scottish band called GUN GHAOL.

At first listen, they might sound like a typical modern metalcore band — heavy breakdowns, energetic riffs, and unrestrained intensity. But Gun Ghaol have something that immediately sets them apart: all of their songs are written exclusively in Scottish Gaelic — WOW!

For frontman Colin, this is more than just music: "The first thing is that we perform in Scottish Gaelic. We never write a song in English." Today, the language is spoken by around 130,000 people, but the band believes in its future: "It is a founding language of this country — and we want to help it grow further."

Musically, the band operates within modern metalcore, but their sound is not only about technique or raw power. It is a combination of both, enriched with subtle influences of Celtic music they grew up with. The result is a unique mix — chaotic, energetic, yet atmospheric. Colin describes chaos as the main emotion of their music. The song "Air An Oir" is, according to him, a perfect example — dynamic, "bouncy," with a massive breakdown. On the other hand, newer tracks like "Salm" show that the band is not afraid to experiment and introduce unusual, almost ethereal elements into their sound.

Colin's musical journey began with Linkin Park, which led him toward heavier music. Their influence was so strong that he even got the artwork of Hybrid Theory tattooed. However, due to a strict upbringing — his father is a preacher — he mainly grew up on Christian metal, especially lesser-known bands like Living Sacrifice and Zao. Later, after moving to Glasgow, he discovered more mainstream names such as A Day To Remember and The Devil Wears Prada, which influenced his ability to write catchy choruses and powerful riffs.

Interestingly, Colin doesn't only draw inspiration from the metal scene. He is fascinated by the way Kendrick Lamar works with lyrics, and he also follows modern artists like Doechii. Beyond music, he is inspired by visuals as well — for example, the work of Angine de Poitrine made him rethink how a band can push its visual identity beyond just black clothing.

The band is not only about music — it is also about personalities. The biggest "rebel" is ironically drummer Stuart, who is the only married member and already has a child. In the rock'n'roll world, that is considered the biggest rebellion. On the other hand, bassist Finlay is the type of person who could disappear after a show for a day or two — and no one would find it strange.

Their creative process often starts very simply — with a riff or a voice memo on Colin's phone. Inspiration comes unexpectedly, often outside the studio, and these moments later evolve into full songs. Colin then develops the lyrics, while the rest of the band helps shape the music into its final form.

Live shows are a huge part of their identity. Colin sees them as deeply personal: "It's a release of emotion, but also a connection with the audience." On stage, he goes all in: "I'm constantly moving, kicking, waving my arms — and by the end I'm completely drenched in sweat." One of their strongest moments happened in a small Glasgow club: "It was the first time we heard the audience sing our lyrics back to us — and it was only our third show."

The band is currently working on new material, and fans can also expect a rather unusual surprise — the first Gaelic "World Cup" song titled "Gun Alba." It is a playful, slightly absurd idea inspired by Colin's love for football and Scotland's return to the World Cup after an incredible 28 years.

We are already very excited for their new project, and we also wish the Scottish national football team good health and success from afar!

Looking ahead, GUN GHAOL have a clear vision: to preserve their uniqueness, further develop Celtic elements in their music, and continue growing. They already have a confirmed performance at the Triple Threat Metal Fest in the Netherlands in 2027, and they dream of playing across Europe — including Slovakia. With a planned Scottish tour and new music on the horizon, it is clear that Gun Ghaol are a band we will definitely be hearing more about.