Released by: Rockshots Records
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Folk Metal/Classic Rock
Links: https://theignsandthralls.com/
Line Up:
Kevin Ridley: Vocals, guitar, mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, synths
Dave Briggs: Guitar, whistles, backing vocals, bodhran
John Ryan: Violin, cello, backing vocals
Arjon Valk: Bass guitar, backing vocals
Mike Verhof: Drums, percussion, backing vocals
Tracklist:
01. Overture
02. A Single Beam
03. Fight And Lay Your Bones
04. The Battle of Maldon
05. Aftermath
06. Pagan Song
07. The Harrowing
08. The Seeker
09. Now My Life Is Done
10. The Grape And The Grain
11. Interrogativa Cantilena
12. The Mermaid Tavern
Theigns and Thralls, the brainchild of Skyclad vocalist and songwriter Kevin Ridley, is a folk metal masterpiece featuring members of Cruachan and Waylander. Though I’ve never been a die-hard Skyclad fan, I recognize their pivotal role in developing the folk metal genre. This album, a culmination of Ridley’s decades of experience, is a fitting extension of their legacy.
To fully immerse yourself in Theigns and Thralls’ music, imagine listening by a roaring fire in a historic castle or a forest clearing surrounded by dancing pagans. Unfortunately, my August conservatory experience was a far cry from that ideal. However, once the sun set and the chill set in, I found myself transported to a more fitting atmosphere.
“Pagan Song” is a standout track that could easily have been a Sabbath classic, with its Ozzy-esque riff and Geezer Butler-inspired groove. The first single, “The Grape And The Grain,” is a humorous tale about the perils of mixing alcohol. Based on a piece of sage advice from Ridley’s mother, the song serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring one’s elders.
The rest of the album is a high-energy folk metal feast that will have you wanting to get up and dance. With contributions from members of Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, Cruachan, Skiltron, Elvenking, Primordial, and Celtibeerian, Theigns and Thralls is a labor of love born out of the pandemic. Having initially dismissed Skyclad as too heavy, I now realize I’ve been missing out on a fantastic genre. “The Keep & The Spire” is just a taste of what awaits, and I’m eager to explore more.