Review: Skyclad
(Nuclear Blast)
Skyclad hits as strong as ever with their tenth album in as many years together as a band. Not much has changed between their first and tenth full length albums. Most notably, the songs all hang together better. The compositions are more cohesive, the time changes more natural and the violin has been fully and well incorporated into their brand of metal that manages to draw influence from English folk melodies and much of the NWOBHM scene that was so beloved by the anti-Napster, Lars Ulrich. Speaking of file sharing programs, Skyclad has done with the packaging on this CD what bands simply must do to ensure sales. The packaging is a beautiful tri-fold case. The front flap is a partially completed jigsaw puzzle that lifts away to reveal the front cover art. Inside the booklet are paintings by Duncan Storr who draws influence from celtic mythology. There may be folks out there who like the minimalism of an all black album cover, but I c