`Release Date: October 27th, 2017

Skyclad are a British heavy metal band with heavy folk influences in their music. They are considered one of the pioneers of folk metal genre. The etymology behind the term "skyclad" comes from a pagan/wiccan term for ritual nudity, in which rituals are performed with the participants metaphorically clad only by the sky, as a sign of equality. The name alludes both to the band's religious leanings and to their social beliefs, as set out in the song "Skyclad" on their first album. The band was founded in 1990 by then former Sabbat vocalist Martin Walkyier and Satan/Pariah guitarist Steve Ramsey, after Walkyier left Sabbat due to musical differences. The two's aim was to put together the 'ultimate pagan metal band'. Rounding out the group with another ex-member of Pariah, bassist Graeme English, as well as drummer Keith Baxter, they penned a deal with German record label Noise International and recorded and released The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth in 1991. A while later they added Fritha Jenkins on violin and keyboard and a second guitarist in the shape of Baxter's friend Dave Pugh, allowing for a more folk-based sound on their follow-up release ?A Burnt Offering for the Bone Idol? in 1992. The group's early output was followed by ?Jonah's Ark? in 1993. In 1994 the band released ?Prince of the Poverty Line? which is considered a benchmark album in folk metal. In 1995 the album ?The Silent Whales of Lunar Sea? which saw them support Black Sabbath on their ?Forbidden? UK tour in 1995. Skyclad parted ways with Noise records in 1995 and vocalist Martin Walkyier left the band a few years later but they still continue to this day and have released a further eight, subsequent albums between 1996 and 2017 and tour the UK and Europe on a regular basis.

Originally released in 1993, Skyclad?s third album is one where the bands maturity really started to blossom. The thrash elements that were the basis of the bands formative years were reduced to support the folk elements rather than override them. Often cited as true folk metal?s genre defining album, this was considered a remarkable step forward for a band never afraid to experiment, as the use of instruments like mandolins and fiddle alongside the traditional metal backdrop demonstrated.

Track Listing:

1.Thinking Allowed
2.Cry Of The Land
3.Schadenfreude
4.A Near Life Experience
5.The Wickedest Man In The World
6.Earth Mother, The Sun And The Furious Host
7.The Ilk Of Human Blindness
8.Tunnel Visionaries
9.A Word To The Wise
10.Bewilderbeast
11.it Wasn?t meant To End This Way

Bonus tracks :

1.Emerald
2.A Room Next Door
3.When All Else Fails
4.The Declaration Of Indiffernce (live)
5. Spinning Jenny (live)
6. Skyclad (live)