Skyclad - A Semblance Of Normality

Review by Troy Babb

Album Review: A Semblance of Normality by Skyclad (2004) If you’re into music that feels like a warm pint in a smoky pub but also has the guts to call out life’s absurdities, then A Semblance of Normality is probably your jam. Released in 2004 on Demolition Records, this UK-born Folk Rock masterpiece from Skyclad doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—it grabs you by the collar and says, “Listen up.” With its mix of sharp lyrics, infectious melodies, and some serious pipes solo action, it's hard not to get sucked into their world. Now, let me tell ya about two tracks that stuck with me long after I hit pause. First off, there’s “Ten Little Kingdoms.” This one kicks things off with an energy that feels like someone lit a fire under the band. The guitars are punchy, the vocals have this raw edge, and the lyrics? Oh man, they’re dripping with social commentary. It’s one of those songs where you think, “Yeah, okay, fair point,” while nodding along like a bobblehead. There’s something haunting yet hopeful about how it lays bare the cracks in society without being preachy. Honestly, every time I hear it, I wanna grab my mates, storm into a pub, and start a revolution—or at least order another round. Then there’s “Like… A Ballad for the Disenchanted.” Whoa, does this track hit different. It starts slow, almost like it’s tiptoeing around your feelings, but once it builds, it just slaps. You can practically feel the weight of disillusionment pressing down on you, but somehow, it still manages to lift your spirits. Maybe it’s the melody or maybe it’s because we’ve all been there—stuck between wanting to change the world and just wanting to survive Monday mornings. Either way, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to scream into the void but ends up making you smile instead. The rest of the album keeps the vibe going strong too. Tracks like “Another Drinking Song” bring the fun, while deeper cuts like “Lightening the Load” remind you why Skyclad has always had a knack for blending clever storytelling with killer tunes. And don’t even get me started on the multiple versions of certain tracks—it’s like they’re daring you to pick a favorite, which is impossible, by the way. What really stands out about A Semblance of Normality is how unapologetically human it feels. Sure, it’s polished enough to sound professional, but it never loses that rough-around-the-edges charm. Listening to it feels less like consuming art and more like overhearing a conversation between old friends who’ve seen it all and aren’t afraid to laugh about it. So yeah, if you’re hunting for an album that’ll make you think, sing along, and maybe shed a tear or two, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “Ten Little Kingdoms” during your commute or randomly shouting lines from “Like… A Ballad for the Disenchanted” at strangers. Oh, and here’s the kicker: as much as this album talks about chaos and confusion, it kinda leaves you feeling... normal? Weird, right? But hey, maybe that’s exactly what we need sometimes.

Download Skyclad - A Semblance Of Normality

Artist: Skyclad
Album: A Semblance Of Normality

Folk Rock

2004

Rating: 3.71

Review
About Album
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Catalog Numbers
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Listen online
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Notes
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About Artist
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: skyclad-a-semblance-of-normality.zip

MP3 size: 156.4 mb
FLAC size: 883.2 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Lightening The Load	4:53
Like...A Ballad for the Disenchanted	04:31
A Good Day To Bury Bad News	4:41
Hybrid Blues	6:29
Do They Mean Us?	3:26
Intro (Pipes Solo)	0:52
The Parliament of Fools	03:10
Like... A Ballad For The Disenchanted	4:32
Outro ('The Dissolution Of Parliment')	1:39
Lightening the Load	04:53
The Song Of No-Involvement	3:33
Outro ('The Dissolution of Parliament')	01:39
Ten Little Kingdoms	2:50
Like...A Ballad For The Disenchanted	4:31
Anotherdrinkingsong	3:53
The Parliament Of Fools	3:10
Another Drinking Song	03:53
A Good Day to Bury Bad News	04:41
A Survival Campaign	3:44
Pipes Solo (Intro)	00:52
Outro ('The Dissolution Of Parliament')	1:40
NTRWB	3:31
The Song of No-Involvement	03:33

Video

Skyclad - A Survival Campaing

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Catalog Numbers

DEMCD 142

Labels

Demolition Records

Listen online

écouter en ligne
online anhören
ouvir online
online luisteren
escuchar en línea
lyssna på nätet
ascolta in linea
lytte på nettet
kuunnella verkossa

Formats

CD
Album

Companies

Role	Company
Marketed By	Dream Catcher
Distributed By	Dream Catcher
Phonographic Copyright (p)	Demolition Records
Copyright (c)	Demolition Records

Notes

Track 6 is listed as "The Song Of No-Invlovement" on the back of the CD.
Made in England

Barcodes

Barcode: 5 060011 191420
Matrix / Runout: CSV DEMCD142
Mould SID Code: IFPI 7308
Mastering SID Code: IFPI LP76

About Skyclad

Skyclad was formed in 1990 by Martin Walkyier (recently departed from ) and Steve Ramsey with a view to create the "ultimate pagan metal band". Skyclad are considered by many to be pioneers of folk metal; their earlier work is characterized by Thrash - not entirely dissimilar to Walkier's previous band Sabbat, albeit with ever increasing Folk influences. On later albums the band progressed away from their Thrash roots and became gradually more Folk-influenced, settling into a style more akin to early Heavy Metal. Founder member Martin Walkyier departed the band in 2001, leaving Rhythm guitarist and longtime producer Kevin Ridley to take over vocal duties. Current Members Kevin Ridley: vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar (1998- ) Steve Ramsey: lead guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals (1990- ) Graeme English: bass guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar (1990- ) Georgina Biddle: fiddle, keyboard, piano (1994- ) Arron Walton: drums, percussion (2001- )

Name Vars

Scyclad
¹«¤¯éÃÉ

Members

Kevin Ridley
Martin Walkyier
Steve Ramsey
Graeme English
George Biddle
Jay Graham
John Leonard
Paul A.T. Kinson
Mitch Oldham
Dave Pugh
Keith Baxter
Fritha Jenkins
Arron Walton

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: Skyclad's *A Semblance of Normality* is packed with quirky repetition. For instance, the track "Like... A Ballad for the Disenchanted" appears three times on the album. It’s almost like they really wanted to make sure you didn’t miss it! The record blends Folk Rock with sharp storytelling, and it feels like a mixtape of their best ideas from 2004. Oh, and don’t get confused—there are multiple versions of some song titles, like "Outro ('The Dissolution of Parliament')," which shows up more than once but with slightly different spellings. Clearly, Skyclad had a sense of humor about keeping things interesting!

Comments

cemslie99170218

2025-03-06

This is an outstanding folk metal album, it is a pity it has been overlooked for review.From the "Pipe Solo (Intro)" up to "Like... A Ballad for the Disenchanted" it is a continuous stream of excellent songs. Amazing tunes and orchestrations, this album stands high in the Skyclad discography.