The Scratch

Dublin-based folk/metal band the Scratch meld Irish traditional instruments and songwriting with full-on headbanging energy that breathes fresh life into music with deeply traditional roots. Formed in 2016 from the ashes of metal band Red Enemy, their debut EP, 2018's Old Songs, acted as a mission statement, proving that the fusion between metal and Irish traditional music could work. To further test their mettle, the band would busk around Dublin, playing material from their first and second EP, the latter being 2019's The Whole Buzz. The street performances began to go viral, and with traction building they released their debut album, 2020's Couldn't Give a Rats. With a new line-up and their wits gathered, they set to work on new songs, formalizing them on their second album, 2023's Mind Yourself. The band began rigorously touring throughout Europe, Australia, and America. With that significant boost to their visibility, they readied their third full-length, 2026's Pull Like a Dog. ~ Liam Martin