A Semblance of Normality
Skyclad · 2004
47 min · 13 tracks · heavy metal
Folk-infused metal rhythms intertwine with sharp, satirical lyrics, creating a potent commentary on societal absurdities.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Do They Mean Us? — This track encapsulates the album's satirical tone, cleverly critiquing societal norms through tightly woven melodies and pointed lyrics.
-
→
A Good Day to Bury Bad News — With its driving rhythm and engaging narrative, this song highlights the band's knack for storytelling while delivering a poignant message about media manipulation.
-
→
Hybrid Blues — The longest track on the album, it showcases a rich tapestry of sounds and complex arrangements, representing Skyclad's evolution in blending genres.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and metal effectively while maintaining a sharp lyrical focus, though it may not resonate widely outside its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a solo pipe intro, setting a distinct folk tone before transitioning into heavier metal rhythms.
- Tracks often feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as moving from fast-paced riffs to slower, more melodic sections.
- Several songs incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, enhancing the satirical nature of the lyrics.
- The final track serves as an outro that revisits themes introduced in the opening, creating a circular structure.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- thought-provoking lyrical content
- contemplative listening sessions
- dynamic emotional narratives
- short, engaging track lengths
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2004, A Semblance of Normality is Skyclad's seventh studio album and marks their first release after a significant lineup change that saw the departure of guitarist Dave Pugh. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique blend of folk and metal while navigating the evolving music landscape post-2000s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Finntroll· Eluveitie· Korpiklaani
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
A Good Day to Bury Bad News
The bridge shifts into a more reflective mood, questioning the impact of sensationalism on public perception.
This structural choice emphasizes a contrast between the upbeat tempo and serious content, enhancing the critique of media sensationalism.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro (Pipes Solo) 0:52
- 2 Do They Mean Us? 3:26
- 3 A Good Day to Bury Bad News 4:41
- 4 Anotherdrinkingsong 3:53
- 5 A Survival Campaign 3:44
- 6 The Song of No-Involvement 3:33
- 7 The Parliament of Fools 3:10
- 8 Ten Little Kingdoms 2:50
- 9 Like... a Ballad for the Disenchanted 4:31
- 10 Lightening the Load 4:53
- 11 NTRWB 3:31
- 12 Hybrid Blues 6:29
- 13 Outro (The Dissolution of Parliament) 1:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.