Skyclad

British Folk Metal Pioneers

Skyclad is a British heavy metal band with a unique blend of folk and thrash metal, often credited as one of the pioneers of folk metal. Formed in 1990 by Martin Walkyier, who was previously the vocalist for the thrash metal band Sabbat, and guitarist Steve Ramsey, who aimed to create a more experimental form of metal that incorporated folk influences. Skyclad's debut album, "The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth," was released in 1991 and set the tone for their innovative style. They followed up with "A Burnt Offering for the Bone Idol" in 1992 and "Jonah's Ark" in 1993, each album further developing their sound and showcasing their penchant for socially conscious lyrics and use of traditional folk instruments such as the violin. Over the years, Skyclad has undergone several lineup changes but has maintained a dedicated fan base and continued to influence the genre they helped establish. Their discography spans over a dozen studio albums, with their early works being particularly influential in the folk metal scene.