Origin: Spain
Formed: 2017
Genre: Symphonic Folk Metal
Status: Active
Label: Maldito Records
Themes: Epic Themes, Mythology, Celtic, Nature
Celtian is a symphonic folk metal band from Alcalá de Henares, founded in 2017 by flutist and composer Diego Palacio. Conceived as a project blending Celtic folk instrumentation with symphonic metal grandeur, Celtian quickly evolved into one of the most prominent modern folk metal acts in Spain. Their music combines soaring female vocals, orchestral arrangements, and traditional instruments such as flute and violin, creating a sound that bridges epic fantasy atmospheres with melodic metal intensity.
The band’s debut album The Druid’s Awaiting (2018) introduced their core identity: lush symphonic layers, Celtic melodies, and a strong emphasis on narrative themes inspired by mythology, nature, and ancient lore. The album established Celtian as a rising force, drawing comparisons to the more melodic and folk‑oriented side of the Spanish symphonic scene.
In 2019, Celtian released En tierra de hadas, their first Spanish‑language full‑length and a major turning point. Featuring the powerful and emotive vocals of Xana Lavey, the album received enthusiastic reviews for its polished production, memorable choruses, and cinematic arrangements. It solidified Celtian’s reputation and expanded their audience significantly, aided by their participation in the Mägo de Oz tribute compilation with the track “Folk ’n’ Oz.”
Their third album, Sendas de leyenda (2021), continued refining their sound with a more mature balance between folk instrumentation and symphonic metal. Singles such as “Magia de la Luna” and “El hijo del ayer” showcased the band’s growing melodic sophistication and emotional depth. The album was praised for its clarity, cohesion, and the interplay between flute, violin, and orchestral elements.
Celtian remained highly active through the early 2020s, releasing a steady stream of singles that demonstrated both stylistic consistency and artistic evolution. In 2024, they unveiled Secretos de amor y muerte, their most ambitious work to date. The album deepened their lyrical focus on mythic storytelling and emotional narratives, supported by expansive arrangements and a refined production style that highlighted the strengths of the current lineup.
With members connected to notable acts such as Mägo de Oz, Delalma, and Against Myself, Celtian stands as one of the leading contemporary voices in Spanish symphonic folk metal. Their blend of Celtic instrumentation, epic atmospheres, and melodic metal continues to resonate strongly within the Iberian scene and beyond.
Xana Lavey – Vocals (2018–present)
Diego Palacio – Flute (2017–present)
Sergio Culebras – Guitars (2020–present)
Txus Borao – Violin (2019–present)
Raúl Plaza – Bass (ex‑Against Myself)
David Landeroin – Drums (2019–present; Delalma, ex‑Arion, ex‑Altar)
Past members:
Guillermo Soloaga – Bass
Guille Manzanares – Drums
Alberto Clemente – Guitars
Gonzalo Gómez Fernández – Violin
Javi Aiur – Bass (2019–?)
Javi Javat – Guitars (2019–?; Debler Eternia)
Carlos Morcüende – Bass (2020)
The Druid’s Awaiting – Full‑length (2018)
Tu hechizo – Single (2019)
Niamh – Single (2019)
En tierra de hadas – Full‑length (2019)
Magia de la Luna – Single (2021)
El hijo del ayer – Single (2021)
Sendas de leyenda – Full‑length (2021)
Maleficio de sangre – Single (2023)
Sueños de cristal – Single (2024)
Serena – Single (2024)
Caricia mordaz – Single (2024)
Secretos de amor y muerte – Full‑length (2024)