Over the years I have found myself getting to know the Folk Metal subgenre better and better. Back in High school I was first introduced to the extreme type of the "to be" trend that became as part of the Metal mainstream almost 2 decades later, and this without knowing that its origins were way back in the 80s. Several years forward and the British SKYCLAD saw its path into my ears, right there I discovered the thundering force of the known English pioneers. After reviewing their latest releases, I received a golden opportunity to once again embrace their first five releases, all thanks to BMG Music which has taken charge on remastering reissue of the Noise Records period of some of the foremost bands in the Metal market. Each of the albums released as a quality digi-pack, including high rated colored booklet.

If you can win them, ditch them. I assume that the spirit of this made-up phrase has been nesting in the mind of master lyricist / vocalist Martin Walkyier in his later chapter with the British Thrash Metal band SABBAT. After the release of the genuine sophomore "Dreamweaver", which is certainly one of the most intellectual and eclectic Thrash Metal albums of all time, he probably wanted something that could be a level up from his current band's outputs. However, he was denied. Therefore, without further adue, Walkyier made a decision to leave and short after, along with members of SATAN / PARIAH formed a new musical entity titled SKYCLAD, a new definition in Metal that would set changes in the perception of Folklore / Paganism merged with heavy music. A year after the band's formation, the burning mind of its members worked overtime and near the end of 1991, the first step, in what would become a long journey that still lives on, was "The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth".

It is highly recommended to listen to SABBAT's "Dreamweaver" right before lunging into the heart of SKYCLAD's debut. It proves rather clearly the fact that SKYCLAD has yet to stir fully into the veils of Folk, starting out as a moderately innovative Thrash Metal entity while adding several special elements such as Violin, Piccolo and Keyboards in order to make a difference. Generally, it is noticeable that there are features in the band's material that are quite in the vibe of METALLICA and MEGADETH of the late 80s, especially to the technical arrangements that are highly similar to Mustaine's triumphant productions of the period.

"Trance Dance (A Dreamtime Walkabout)" reflects the provocative lyrical sense, which would become one of the band's premiere signatures, splendidly merged with a progressed Thrash Metal aggression. The cause effect is a song with intricate arrangements and high class instrumental performance. The critical creature "Our Dying Island" is a surgical extension of British Thrash Metal at its best, close in its proximity to SABBAT, yet headed forward with enough storytelling to keep you under its grip. The human condition of "Cradle Will Fall" is an intense number, the rhythm guitar sense of "Master Of Puppets" adjoined with the versatility and melodies of "Rust In Peace", a sheer upgrade to the listening experience in a harsh form. And the Thrash Metal festivities continued on with "Skyclad", "Sky Beneath My Feet" and the closing deadly "Terminus". "The Widdershins Jig" on the other hand, signified SKYCLAD's future installments of fierce Folk Metal. The song presented a successful experimentation with craftily written sections for the additional instruments on scene. Though crossing through heaviness in a fair share, "Moongleam and Meadowsweet" also marked a change of scenery for the band, bestowing acoustic verses that served as enchantments to mystical tune.

A significant and expressive starting point for the newcomer British band, maintaining the sign of Thrash Metal, yet with angles that are well reserved. Patiently and effectively, SKYCLAD were beginning to shape up as new kind of monstrosity.