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What an absolutely brilliant album this is. I am sure many readers would at least have heard of Skyclad if not being fans of the band themselves, but this is my first experience with the band, so pardon me if there are things I should know about and don't pen here. I am told that this album is a change in direction for the band and that previous Skyclad albums were quite different from this 2004 offering. The music here is basically folk music played in metal format with heavy guitars and drums, but the added use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, Hammond organ, violins and some orchestra. Do not get soured on that last note, as Skyclad make the perfect use of all these instruments without which this album would not sound as great as it does.

"A Semblance Of Normality" is just a fun album. Fun! I do not drink, but I do know that this is a pure beer drinker's album, with weird melodies that are just too fun and catchy to ignore. (Note the title of one of the songs – "Anotherdrinkingsong"). The songs are mostly fast and catchy with good grooves throughout the album. Some are more serious, some are funny, and some have a menacing and sarcastic tone to them.

One final word about the lyrics – very cool and straight from the hip. The lyrics are political and social, criticizing things of course and they do sound preachy at times, but they are very enjoyable and you do not need the lyrics sheet in front of you to understand the them; again – very straightforward and fun.

If you have not heard this band yet (or this album in particular) give it a shot. I avoided them previously as I am not a major fan of symphony orchestras and fucking fiddles! But when it is done this brilliantly, it is unlikely not to enjoy it.