The Book of Invasions: A Celtic Symphony is the sixth album by the Irish Celtic rock band Horslips. It was a concept album based on an adaptation of Irish legends built into a complex story. It is named for the Lebor Gabála Érenn, a book of Irish mythology known as The Book of Invasions in English. Released in 1976, it is usually considered their best work.[citation needed] It was their only UK top-40 album, peaking at #39. "Trouble (With a Capital T)", "Warm Sweet Breath of Love" and "The Power and the Glory" were released as singles.

The Book of Invasions: A Celtic Symphony
original 1976 LP cover
Studio album by
Released1976
GenreCeltic rock, Progressive rock
Length41:55 (LP)
1:06:32 (Expanded CD)
LabelHorslips Records (Ireland), DJM Records (all other countries)
ProducerAlan O'Duffy/Horslips
Horslips chronology
Drive the Cold Winter Away
(1975)
The Book of Invasions: A Celtic Symphony
(1976)
Aliens
(1977)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic link

The 30th anniversary of this album was celebrated at a small gathering in Dublin organised by Horslips fans and was attended by some band members.[citation needed]

Track listing

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The album is divided into three movements: "Geantraí" (tracks 1–8), "Goltraí" (tracks 9–11) and "Suantraí" (tracks 12–14).

Side one
  1. "Daybreak" (instrumental) – 2:30
  2. "March Into Trouble" (instrumental) – 0:51
  3. "Trouble (With a Capital T)" – 3:24
  4. "The Power and the Glory" – 3:56
  5. "The Rocks Remain" – 2:49
  6. "Dusk" (instrumental) – 0:37
  7. "Sword of Light" – 4:55
  8. "Dark" (instrumental) – 1:37
Side two
  1. "Warm Sweet Breath of Love" – 3:26
  2. "Fantasia (My Lagan Love)" (instrumental) – 2:55
  3. "King of Morning, Queen of Day" – 4:32
  4. "Sideways to the Sun" – 4:47
  5. "Drive the Cold Winter Away" (instrumental) – 0:35
  6. "Ride to Hell" – 4:07
Expanded CD with bonus tracks
  1. "Daybreak/Drive the Cold Winter Away/Ride to Hell/Sideways to the Sun/Sword of Light" – 18:04
  2. "The Rights of Man" – 3:56
  3. "Trouble (With a Capital T)" – 3:20

Personnel

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Musicians

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Technical

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  • Alan O'Duffy - producer, engineer
  • Robbie McGrath - assistant engineer
  • Ian Finlay - photography
  • Eric G. Bannister - art direction
  • Evelyn Lunney - make-up
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