Skyclad

Skyclad is a British heavy metal group from Newcastle upon Tyne, formed in 1990 by former Sabbat vocalist Martin Walkyier and guitarist Steve Ramsey, who had previously played in Satan, Blind Fury and Pariah. The band develops a sound built around heavy metal and strong folk influences, drawing on British folk music as well as German thrash metal. It is often described as one of the inventors of folk metal.

Style and early identity

From the beginning, Skyclad presents itself as a band with a broad mix of influences rather than a single fixed style. Its music combines metal with Celtic and folk elements, and its writing is known for wordplay and lyrics aimed at English-speaking listeners. The group’s stated early aim is to create an “ultimate Pagan Metal band”.

Line-up changes and later releases

The line-up remains stable through the recording of Folkémon in 2000, but Walkyier leaves the band in 2001. He later forms The Clan Destined. After his departure, the group continues with drummer Jay Graham leaving shortly afterwards and Kevin Ridley moving onto vocals. This new line-up records No Daylights...Nor Heel Taps in 2002, a release built around studio versions of “Irish Pub versions” of earlier Skyclad material.

In 2001 the band also releases Another Fine Mess, which includes live recordings from 1995 and material from the Outrageous Fourtunes EP. Swords of a Thousand Men appears as a single in 2001; it is a cover of a Tenpole Tudor song and also appears on Folkémon as a bonus track in a different version. The single includes two recordings, one with Ridley on vocals and another with Ridley sharing vocals with Edward Tudor-Pole of Tenpole Tudor.

Post-Walkyier period

A Semblance of Normality, released in 2004, is the band’s first album of new material after Walkyier’s departure. It keeps close to the approach of earlier releases, with Ridley’s lyrics echoing some of Walkyier’s themes and style while maintaining a separate identity. The album receives strong critical attention and is described as the band’s most widely received release. Skyclad also releases the EP Jig-a-Jig independently.

Reception and activity

The band has a long reputation in continental Europe and South America, with particular popularity in Germany and Greece, while remaining less widely known in English-speaking markets. Skyclad remains active from 1990 to the present and has a larger, changing membership over time that includes Mike Evans, Keith Baxter, Martin Walkyier, Graeme “Bean” English, Steve Ramsey, Fritha Jenkins, Dave Pugh, Catherine Howell, Georgina Biddle, Paul A.T. Kinson, Paul Smith, Nick Acons, John Leonard, Mitch Oldham, Jay Graham, Kevin Ridley and Arron Walton.