Skyclad – Forward Into 2018
So it's that time of year again, early January, when we trudge off back to work, thinking about the past year and looking forward to the coming year (without making any impossible resolutions). This is, essentially what we want to do here, firstly, to thank everyone for their support, friendship, kind words and encouragement throughout 2017 – which was 'overall' a very good year for Skyclad – and, secondly, to mention a few things about the upcoming year.
We say that 2017 was mostly a good year for Skyclad because there were a few 'lows' that took some of the shine off the 'highs'. These were mostly to do with some health issues with band members and we are only mentioning them as they prevented us from presenting a complete line-up for a good part of the year. We don't want to dwell on this too much though as, we believe, the 'highpoints' of 2017 far outweigh the 'lows' and in true 'Clad' fashion we soldiered on and got through 'another fine mess' - or two.
To begin with, April saw the release of 'Forward Into The Past'. Skyclad's thirteenth original studio album (thanks here to Mr Curle for recording and Mr Mollo for the mix). The album was released by
Listenable records (thanks to Laurent, Steffie et al at Listenable) and was met with some great reviews and responses from the media and fans alike and it was nice to finally get some new material out after some years of tardiness (again, sorry about that). This album also marked the return of Dave Pugh who made telling contributions not only to the guitar work but also to the writing and other instrumentation for the record.
We also managed to get some great videos put together to promote the tracks 'Change Is Coming' and 'Starstruck'. Thanks to Mr Martinez (and his crew) for this and also for updating all the band's previous videos and sorting out our 'YouTube' channel, working alongside
Noise Records. Indeed, Miles and Noise Records were very helpful this year as they released remastered versions of the band's first five albums (all on colourful vinyl – 'forward into the past' indeed) and helped to promote the band's shows.
This release of the new album was accompanied (as if we had actually planned it) by our first ever tour of Greece. Previously we had just played in Athens and Thessaloniki (thinking that was all there was to it) but this time we spent a very pleasant week playing some great shows and we have to thank our promoters (Pat/
Krisis Productions and Greg/
EAT METAL RECORDS) and
Dreamrites and all the guys in the other support bands for a relaxed and insightful tour of 'Alexander's Land'.
As for festivals in 2017. Well having played 'Hellfest' (France) and 'Bloodstock' (UK) a several years ago (and ticked them off the 'to do; list), it was nice to finally be asked to do
Hammerfest (Wales) and
Rock Hard Festival (Germany). We also played
Hörnerfest (Germany) - where we finally had the full line up -
Metal Brew Festival (UK) and
Iberian Warriors Metal Fest (Spain) - where we shared the stage with fellow 'folk metal originators'
Cruachan - and great fun they were too.
Amongst the festivals we also did a little 'secret gig' for a wedding in Germany. This is worth a mention because of the guys who organised it on behalf of the happy couple. They belong to the
DEAF FOREVER forum and truly do epitomise the true spirit of 'Forward Into The Past' – along with a few other promoters who we worked with this year who are all doing a great job in keeping it real. For example, the guys at the 8 ball club and
Metal Union (Greece), Sarah (Metal Brew) and Hector (Iberian Warriors).
Then, just when we thought things were beginning to quieten down, we got a call to be 'special guests' on the first leg of the Ensiferum tour in Europe. Not having had the pleasure of sleeping on a nightliner for a few years, of course we jumped at the chance and enjoyed a really well organised and 'nutritious' tour around Germany, the Netherlands and France; topped off by a truly memorable last gig in Paris (thanks again to all the guys and crew in
Ensiferum and
Wolfheart and to
Continental Concerts & Management GmbH).
The final gig of the year was the little 'Rose and Crown' Festival in Oberhausen (Germany) which was organised by some of our friends from the
Dong Open Air. We did this gig in a few 'sections' (including an acoustic bit) and it was a nice way to finish the year, especially as the guys from the Deaf Forever forum (yes, them again) turned the gig into a birthday party for one of the band. The same was done for another band member in Athens. We really are really spoilt sometimes.
So now looking forward to 2018. We are pleased to see that some shows have already been announced and we are heading back into the fray in a few weeks' time (February) to play some gigs in the UK (Manchester and Glasgow; see event links in the comments) and Germany. Again, having played Wacken a couple of times 'back in the day', we are very much looking forward to playing at it winter counterpart
Wacken Winter Nights. We are also looking forward to actually playing the band's first gig in Poland (and not just stopping off for a brew) at the
Metalmaniapl festival.
2018 will also see the band return to play the
Rockharz Open Air (Germany), which has grown considerably since the band played there on a very wet and windy afternoon in 2001 (thanks again to Mr Lehberger). It is, obviously, very early in the year and we are looking to add more shows to the list; which brings us to another point.
We receive a lot of requests from people to play at this festival or in this town or country via social media. This is great, of course, but we have to point out that (if you didn't already know it) these things aren't just down to the band - if they were... Unfortunately we have to be asked to appear at festivals and concerts as it is up to promoters and organisers to decide who they want to appear at their shows and while it's not 'all about money' it does play a large part in what can be done. So, if you would like to see Skyclad at a festival or concert near you, then please contact the promoters (the more the merrier) and inform them of your interest. We say this so that people don't think we simply ignore their requests to play 'wherever' as we are more than willing but not always able.
Finally, alongside all of the live work, we have begun sketching out some new ideas for the next album. As we have promised that it won't be another nine years until the next release, we hope to get into a studio at some point this year to begin recording again.
Many thanks again everyone (too many to mention) and all the best for 2018.
Quelle:
https://www.facebook.com/officialskycladpage/posts/10159770694390585