Theigns and Thralls, known for their distinctive blend of folk-metal and classic rock, are excited to announce the release of their new music video for “The Grape and The Grain”. This track is part of their latest album called “The Keep & The Spire”, which showcases the band’s evolution with a heavier and darker tone, devoid of acoustic tracks.
Theigns & Thralls is the brainchild of Skyclad vocalist and songwriter Kevin Ridley, featuring Cruachan and Waylander, band members.
Theigns and Thralls continue to push the boundaries of their sound, cementing their position in the global music scene. The new album not only reflects their artistic growth but also offers fans a deeper and more immersive experience.
“The Grape and The Grain” holds a special place in the album, inspired by a memorable night with the band Celtibeerian. Kevin Ridley, the band’s primary songwriter, drew from a personal anecdote involving his mother’s cautionary saying about mixing grape and grain. After a celebratory night involving Jack Daniels and beers, this saying resonated with Ridley, sparking the creation of the song. This personal touch adds a reflective and thematic depth to the album.
The new video brings “The Grape and The Grain” to life, capturing the spirit and narrative of the song. Fans can expect a visually engaging experience that complements the song’s story and musical intensity.
Watch the music video for “The Grape and The Grain” below.
The new studio album “The Keep & The Spire” will be released on September 20th, 2024, via Rockshots Records. Save the date!
Pre-order the CD here and the vinyl here.
Tracklist:
01. Overture
02. A Single Beam
03. Fight and Lay Your Bones
04. The Battle of Maldon
05. Aftermath
06. Pagan Song
07. The Harrowing
08. The Seeker
09. Now My Life is Done
10. The Grape and The Grain
11. Interrogativa Cantilena
12. The Mermaid Tavern
Theigns & Thralls is the brainchild of Skyclad’s vocalist and songwriter Kevin Ridley. Originally, it was intended to be an ‘occasional band’ to perform songs from the writers back catalogue (Skyclad songs, solo album songs, covers etc) working around Skyclad’s touring plans.
However, due to the pandemic, the project became a collaborative recording project building on a few demo ideas. Friends and players from across Europe were asked to contribute and the response was overwhelmingly positive. In the end, twenty-five musicians from bands such as Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, Cruachan, Waylander, Celtibeerian and Metal De Facto, as well as solo musicians, contributed everything from drums, bass, guitar, violin, whistles, bagpipes to hurdy gurdy and vocals.
The name Theigns & Thralls (which basically means master and servant) was settled on and it was also decided to make an eponymous album, so that Theigns & Thralls was the band’s name, the name of the album and the name of the opening song. This also helped clarify the band’s ’mission’. Theigns & Thralls is where an appreciation of history, literature and humanism come together for fans of Celtic Speed-Punk, Folk-Metal and Classic Rock.
Finally, as well as putting out the album and videos, a ‘touring band’ was put together, to perform the songs live. The band have, subsequently played gigs and festivals across Europe, often with guest artist appearances.
Line-up:
Kevin Ridley: Vocals, guitar, mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, synths
Dave Briggs: Guitar, whistles, backing vocals, bodhran
John Ryan: Violin, cello, backing vocals
Arjon Valk: Bass guitar, backing vocals
Mike Verhof: Drums, percussion, backing vocals
Weblinks:
theignsandthralls.com
facebook.com/theignsandthralls
