Think Back and Lie of England is more metal than your mum. Fact. Skyclad were never really constrained by the boundaries of metal though, and in their later works they pay more heed to influences like Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep and Blue Oyster Cult
And yes, that song is something nearing the peak of Martin Walkyier wordplay:
"Cruel Brittania ruled the waves,
Empire oiled by toiling slaves,
White flag stains St. George Cross red,
and blues sung for the countless dead!
God save brave Johnny Company
Stiff upper-lipped he sipped his tea
Atop a mound of babes he'd killed
to keep our nations coffers filled!"
The fact is, Walkyier is just an incredible lyricist. It's not just the allusions, and the wordplay, though it is that, it's that he uses every device of lyrical poetry available when most people are content with simple rhymes or half-rhymes. Martin breaks out the alliteration, the meter, the internal rhymes, everything. Brilliant stuff. And I mean...the mans flow. The only way I can describe it. It's like Swinbourne reciting Crowley dosed on speed, especially on the earlier albums. I cannot express how much I love Skyclad. I mean, it's not just the wordplay either, as you've noticed. They have brilliant guitar and fiddle work as well. And you're right...it is actually very catchy at times.
And now, because you've got me onto 'em again you git...
Skyclad - Polkageist!
"One day whilst out exploring,
In some far-flung foreign corner,
I took respite from journey,
To admire the local fauna
When from the twilight distance,
A peal of bells and laughter,
Sent my heart strings fluttering,
Like bats through chapel rafters!
On entering a clearing
I did sense impending peril,
Beheld a gypsy wench,
With flashing eyes bright, sharp and feral
She smiled at me so sweetly
(Bit a lip that smacked of danger)
And gave a look fit to disarm
This poor unwilling stranger!"
