No Daylights... Nor Heel Taps cover

No Daylights... Nor Heel Taps

Skyclad · 2002

58 min · 15 tracks · heavy metal

A vibrant fusion of folk and metal, blending intricate melodies with socially conscious lyricism and driving rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Inequality Street — This track captures the album's spirit by tackling themes of social injustice, combining energetic instrumentation with sharp lyrical commentary.
  • →
    The Cry of the Land — Here, the band employs a haunting melody to evoke a deep sense of environmental awareness, reflecting their commitment to addressing ecological issues.
  • →
    No Deposit, No Return — This song stands out with its catchy chorus and storytelling approach, effectively conveying the frustrations of modern life while remaining musically engaging.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk and metal effectively but lacks some cohesion in its pacing and thematic unity.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, with moments of fast-paced rhythms followed by slower, reflective sections that emphasize the lyrical themes.
  • The lyrics are delivered with a conversational style, often employing storytelling techniques that engage listeners with social and environmental commentary.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady rhythms with thoughtful lyrics
  • social commentary through melodic storytelling
  • consistent flow encourages deep listening
  • engaging narratives for reflective moments
  • invigorating energy for active engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid lengthy, narrative-driven albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2002, No Daylights... Nor Heel Taps marked Skyclad's seventh studio album, following the critically acclaimed A Burnt Offering for the Bone Idol. By this point, the band had solidified their unique position within the folk metal genre, showcasing their ability to merge traditional instruments with heavy metal. This album continued their exploration of political and social themes, characteristic of their previous work.
Stylistic neighbors
Finntroll· Eluveitie· Korpiklaani

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Penny Dreadful 2:57
  • 2 Inequality Street 4:01
  • 3 Spinning Jenny 2:45
  • 4 The Cry of the Land 4:29
  • 5 Another Fine Mess 3:54
  • 6 Sins of Emission 4:45
  • 7 The Widdershins Jig 3:11
  • 8 History Lessens 3:57
  • 9 Land of the Rising Slum 2:54
  • 10 Single Phial 4:54

Disc 2

  • 1 No Deposit, No Return 4:44
  • 2 A Great Blow for a Day Job 4:15
  • 3 No Strings Attached 4:58
  • 4 Building a Ruin 3:46
  • 5 Loco-Commotion 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata