"Skyclad were founded in 1990 by then former Sabbat vocalist Martin Walkyier and Satan/Pariah guitarist Steve Ramsey. The duo's aim was to put together the 'ultimate pagan metal band' (initial ideas for the band included such extravagances as traditional Robin Hood costumes, though these concepts were soon dropped). Rounding out the group with another ex-member of Pariah, bassist Graeme English, as well as drummer Keith Baxter, they penned a deal with Noise in 1991 and folk metal was born. The band’s name incidentally comes from the pagan 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. A Bellyful Of Emptiness (The very Best Of The Noise Years 1991 - 1995) features the very finest folk metal from the band’s 5 albums on Noise records. A Bellyful Of Emptiness is one of 8 new 2CD and digital compilations released as part of the Noise Lebt reissue series. Each title features striking generic packaging in a stylish digipack with new sleevenotes featuring band interviews, photos and memorabilia. "
A**L
Great compilation from founders of folk metal.
More than any other band, Skyclad deserve credit for creating the genre of folk metal. Founded by members of seminal UK thrash band Sabbat and NWOBHM band Satan/Pariah, they had a huge musical pedigree in terms of late '80s underground metal. Blending melodic thrash with folk, they produced a string of excellent albums in the style that bands such as Koorpklaani would produce a decade later. Of course Metal was unfashionable in the early 1990s and Skyclad never got the recognition that they deserved. As well as their musical accomplishment, Skyclad have always had intelligent lyrics about a wide range of matters ranging from politics, the environment, paganism (but not in a crass "we're a Pagan Band Hail Thor" sort of way), to then lyricist Martin Walkyier's lugubrious view of life.This compilation represents a great cross section of their first five albums (+EP). In particular the material from their second record "A Burnt Offering for the Bone Idol" is hard to get now, so it's good to see 6 out of 10 tracks from that album here.Skyclad went on to produce more great music, both with and without founding vocalist Martin Walkyier. Some of their later music is more folk than metal, but most of the songs on this compilation fall into the metal camp. They are still going and their website says that they are producing a new album (although guitarist Steve Ramsey and bass player Graeme English must also be busy with Satan (the band, not the fallen angel).However, this compilation is a great place to start for anyone with even a passing interest in folk metal; or for oldies like myself who need reminding that there was other music than Britpop or grunge around in the 1990s.
S**H
A must have album
Class from start to finish. Skyclad are one of those bands who never got the plaudits or credit they deserved lucky enough to have seen them live and followed them from the start. The subjects covered in some of their stuff is rather relevant in today's political, environmental climate. A must have album for all metal fans.
K**N
Five Stars
I absolutely love this!
D**N
Great to hear again
It's great to see Skyclad featured on one of these noise years compilations (alongside other amazing bands such as Kreator and Helloween). This compilation covers the first five albums and one odds and sods compilation and it's all good. Skyclad can claim with some certainty to be the forefathers of folk metal, and I can't think of many if any other bands that did anything similar at the time. What makes them even more interesting is that they don't just do folky stuff, there's all sorts of things going on here, and Walkyiers lyrics have more substance than many. There just aren't many bands that sound like this. It's interesting how the UK produced a small but massively influential lot of bands like Sabbath, Priest, Maiden, Discharge, Killing Joke, Venom, Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, Carcass, Cathedral, Electric Wizard, and Cradle of Filth. Skyclad. belong on that list of pioneering bands as well for sure.
M**K
By mark again
Always loved skyclad fine band
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