FROM THE CRYPTS - CELEBRATING PAST ALBUM RELEASES in the HISTORY of HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL…
On October 27, 1991, SKYCLAD released their debut full-length studio album, The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth via Noise International in the US (officially released in Europe on October 17, 1991 via Noise Records).
It is regarded as one of the first Folk Metal albums, with the track "The Widdershins Jig" in particular pointing the way for the genre.
Background:
The band was founded in 1990 by then former Sabbat vocalist Martin Walkyier and Satan/Pariah guitarist Steve Ramsey, after Walkyier left Sabbat over an argument with guitarist Andy Sneap as to the direction of the music. The two'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 German record label Noise International and recorded and released The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth featuring cover art designed by Garry Sharpe-Young.
Critical Reception:
In his review, AllMusic’s Eduardo Rivadavia writes; “Skyclad's ambitious attempt to combine thrash metal, English folk music, and medieval fantasy lyrics results in a groundbreaking -- though at times understandably awkward -- debut. Despite the album sleeve's picture of them wielding swords and clad in medieval garb, the band starts off tentatively, leading the way with the thrash-heavy Sky Beneath My Feet and Trance Dance before plunging into the album's "folkiest" moment, The Widdershin's Jig. With it's violin-led arrangement, the song is a huge departure and, unfortunately, the band still lacks the confidence and conviction to see the experiment through. In fact, they only manage to let their guard down for the album's second half, which finally yields some great progressive thrash metal in Cradle Will Fall, Moongleam and Meadowsweet, and Terminus. Misfires aside, Skyclad firmly declared their mission with this release, paving the way for their much more focused and satisfying sophomore effort.”
Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells
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