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THE CLAN DESTINED
www.theclandestined.com
The Clan Destined is Sabbat frontman Martin Walkyier's long running project that he originally conceived ten or so years back after parting company with Geordie folk metal pioneers, Skyclad. I say "long running" but this EP remains the only set of recordings to date under said moniker, albeit a reissue following its initial self-released limited edition format back in 2006. The Clan Destined's history is, thus far, a rocky one as the entire original lineup, including main songwriter Stian Smørholm (Iscariah of Immortal fame), left the project before the recordings for 'In The Big Ending' were complete. However, with the aid of Walkyier's, at that time, ex-Sabbat bandmate Andy Sneap contributing guitar and lending his production talents, the recordings were finally finished. In fact, other luminaries from the metal community gathered together to support and assist his cause such as ex-Death/ex-Testament guitarist James Murphy (who also assumed production duties along with Sneap) and Anathema/ex-Cradle of Filth keyboardist Les Smith. Such a show of solidarity ironically transpired to be reflective and representative of Walkyier's intended dynamic; true to his original vision of having a clan-oriented community at the heart of this whole venture. Three years on and 'In The Big Ending' finally received a deserved, 'proper' release on Lime Records, remastered by Sneap, and ripe for both discovery and rediscovery. I actually heard this back in 2006 so it's a case of rediscovery for me, albeit in 2010, and I admit to enjoying this more second time around than my first experience. Opening with a sound bite from 'The Wicker Man', a movie that's arguably one of the greatest representations of modern Paganism committed to celluloid, and apposite in respect of Walkyier's own spiritual inclinations, the EP kicks off in up tempo fashion with 'Swinging Like Judas'. A groove infused riff follows Edward Woodward's futile cries, then is underpinned by a palm-muted thrashier guitar as drums and bass are also introduced into the mix before keyboards and Walkyier's provocative verse appear. Sung in his usual scathing tones, lyrics on this first track deal with the pernicious consequences of conflicts between disparate religions, the hypocrisy this engenders in a wider context and the socio-political repercussions for our world. One could read such rants as preaching against the preachers, or even preaching to the converted if it could be presumed that his audience is a predominantly liberal minded one, or merely an observational commentary, but one thing is indubitable - Walkyier sings with such conviction and vehement bite that he axiomatically means every word he utters. And rightly so! Apart from a metalled-up cover of Julian Cope's 'T.C. Lethbridge', which does actually fit well into the EP's vibe, the other four tracks on offer are also jam-packed with Walkyier's trademark lyrical idioms of metaphorically pun-fuelled verse. The songs themselves are refreshingly progressive (we're talking genuine innovation here rather than generic prog), but I would expect nothing less from a man who's prided himself and career through making forward-thinking, intelligent music in innovatory bands. Sabbat were, of course, pioneers of progressive thrash, and Skyclad originators of the now ubiquitous folk/metal fusion. The Clan Destined? Based on this CD, I believe the music evades labelling, but it's one fuck of an enjoyable listen. Go decide for yourselves. Oh yeah, and this reissue also comes with a bonus DVD containing a video for the track 'A Beautiful Start to the End of the World' although my review copy is lacking this second disc. With the promise of new, forthcoming material from The Clan Destined, I eagerly anticipate what this exciting venture can offer next.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Lime Records
EP
IN THE BIG ENDING
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Review by Mark Holmes
RUNNING TIME:
27:23
RELEASE DATE:
February 2009
TRACK LISTING
1) Swinging Like Judas
2) I Am Because We Are
3) TC Lethbridge
4) A Beautiful Start to the End of the World
5) Devil for a Day
6) More Than War
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
UK
"The songs themselves are refreshingly progressive (we're talking genuine innovation here rather than generic prog), but I would expect nothing less from a man who's prided himself and career through making forward-thinking, intelligent music in innovatory bands."