SKYCLAD Issues 2007 Recap

British "folk metal" act SKYCLAD has issued the following update:

"Seeing as the site has been quiet for a while, we thought we should post a little note here to keep everyone informed as to all things SKYCLAD as we head towards the end of 2007. It has been, when all is said and done, quite a quiet and 'steady as you go' sort of year with just the usual round of gigs and festivals happening.

"There have been a few high points and a few 'firsts' that are worth mentioning, from playing some songs for the first time — such as 'Helium' and 'Bury Me' (both at the request of the relevant promoters for the Dong Open Air and the Metieval Fest respectively). It was the first time for the Metieval Fest in Beverley, in fact, and we look forward to returning there. There was also the first visit by SKYCLAD to Moscow, Russia. This happened just a few weeks ago and (once we all got over the colds and got our equipment back — again) it was a great experience, Again, hopefully one we'll repeat.

"There's always a downside, of course, such as no new album this year. Honestly, this is something we are working on. We have the basic ideas and we do have some rough recording of about half the songs now but gigs and other commitments just seem to slow things down; so it is coming along. For example, another first, was playing one of the new songs 'Still Small Beer' live at a few of these gigs — and it seemed to go down very nicely (if you'll pardon the pun). Other titles include: 'Words Upon The Street', 'Black Summer Rain', 'Babakoto' and 'Which is Why'.

"Finally, it appears that we are to finish off the year as we started it with a gig at the Thatched House in Stockport. Anyone who attended the first one will know what an enjoyable night it was and when Ginger Andy asked us for a return gig, obviously, we couldn't say no and the return gig is on Saturday, December 1st. In fact, it's nice to have done a few gigs in England and it would be nice to see a few more events like the Metieval Fest being established. As they say, 'it's nice to go away, but it's nice to come home again'.

"This short note on 2007 sounds like something that could be expanded into a 'blog', so keep an eye out for more information and news."

SKYCLAD played its first-ever gig in Russia on October 13 at the Oktobierfest in Moscow (along with TANKARD and BEERMEN GAME). Fan-filmed video footage from the show can be viewed below. The group's setlist can be found at this location (Note: The band didn't perform tracks #19 and #20).

SKYCLAD last year issued an EP, entitled "Jig-a-Jig". The disc featured a new recording of the instrumental track "Jig-a-Jig", along with the songs "The Roman Wall Blues", "They Think It's All Over - Well Is It Now?" and "Mr Malaprope" from the "A Semblance Of Normality" sessions.

SKYCLAD's most recent album, "A Semblance Of Normality", was released in 2004 through Demolition/Dreamcatcher Records. The CD was mixed and mastered at the Damage Inc. Studio in Italy by Dario Mollo, who has previously worked with ANATHEMA, CRADLE OF FILTH, TONY MARTIN and GLENN HUGHES, among others.