The Clan Destined - In The Big Ending

When I met Martin Walkyier, the driving force behind this unique musical collaboration, I was amazed at what an incredibly nice chap he is. As lead vocalist with illustrious rock/thrash bands Sabbat and Skyclad, I always remembered him as a crazy Pagan individual with a voice I wasn’t sure I liked, who looked deliciously like an extra from Erik The Viking!

In reality, this guy does not thrust his religion down a listener’s throat, more it pervades his work subtly. The Clan Destined project has been a melting of minds from all over the globe, from art to composition, to PR and everything in between. Everyone involved has shared a unique world view of respect for the others whilst remaining true to themselves, and to mastermind such a project and bring it to fruition takes great skill and determination. Walkyier has these in abundance.

This CD/EP almost never came to be, as the departure of a member of the collaborative earlier this year drew some animosity and misunderstanding. Thankfully, Walkyier soldiered on, and the result is this stunning bundle of 6 tracks, beautifully packaged in DVD style box with top quality artwork and lyrical insert.

The opening track Swinging Like Judas firmly establishes The Clan Destined in relation to the Establishment, throwing rotten tomatoes at the dogma of organized religion and urging us to live as one race. Although the lyrics are simple, Walkyier’s delivery really hits home, and is followed up superbly in concept by I am Because We Are!, an anthem to the individual as part of the collective whole. The message about looking at how we live among one another is clearly placed by the punchy vocals you’d expect from such a veteran, but musically is brought bang up to date by subtle use of keyboards and layered guitars. The contribution of backing vocals by Grim Rita softens the sound but cuts in dramatically.

Walkyier has excelled himself with this masterpiece, fusing a familiar construction with modern twists and applying years of knowledge to the production process to create a beautifully crafted work which has widespread appeal, from fans of Nightwish et al to those who like their music somewhat more brutal. The anthem from this has to be Devil For a Day, not a nice song and reeking of vengeance, but somehow making the fires of Hell seem almost worth the roasting. It goes well in the car, if somewhat above the speed limit! Tough enough to make the mark, yet oh-so-easy to sing right along to, loudly and not very kindly, perhaps.

This CD showcases a wealth of talent, and it’s good to see Walkyier back in the arena again, not only as a talented vocalist but also as a front man with balls of Pagan fire, and an artist who practices what he preaches – loudly, and with total commitment to the cause! All hail!