| Aes Dana | |
| Origin: | Paris, France |
| Genre: | Celtic metal,[1] black metal |
| Years Active: | 1994–present |
| Label: | Oaken Shield, Sacral, Trollzorn |
| Current Members: | Vidar Taliesin Iréel Milambre Myrddin Wilfrid Rodel |
| Past Members: | (see below) |
Aes Dana is a French[1] Celtic/black metal band, based in Paris, France. The name of the band is Old Irish for "people of the arts".[2]
The band mixes black metal features like growling vocals or heavy guitar sound with traditional Celtic instruments like the Irish flute or bombard. These characteristics, coming from the various influences of the band's early members (death metal, black metal, grindcore, and folk music), give the band a unique sound.[3]
Their lyrics are primarily in French, and often deal with Celtic mythology.[4]
Aes Dana was formed in 1994,[1] with Taliesin (guitar) and Amorgen (Irish flute), soon joined by Vidar (vocals), Storm (drums), and Christophe (bass). Their first demo, Chroniques du crépuscule, had an atmospheric black metal sound.
In 1997 and 1999, Christophe was replaced by Milambre, and Storm by Juan Jolocaust, and Seth join Taliesin as second guitarist.
They their first full-length album in 2000. Seth left the band the same year, later to be replaced by Tilion.
The band soon started to add new traditional instruments such as the bombard to their music, and it was featured in their second album La chasse sauvage, released in 2001, and their third Formors, in 2005.[5]
Until 2005, the band had an equal number of men and women their line-up. According to the band, it was not a deliberate decision, but a product of chance.[3]
In 2006, Hades left the band was replaced by Myrddin. In 2008, Taliesin came back to replace Benoit, and Iréel replaced Tilion.