skyforger

SKYFORGER

Riga

Extraordinary Folk / Pagan / Black Metal band from Riga, Latvia, established in 1995. Skyforger has been forging their music in the smithy of the Thundergod since 1995. For more than last two decades, the band has been fighting under the flag of Latvian Pagan Metal, an extreme blend of traditional Baltic Folk music and various Metal influences ranging from Norwegian inspired Black Metal through to 80s-rooted Heavy Metal. The band's unique combination of ancient and modern influence has given them a wide appeal throughout both the Metal and Folk scenes, and has brought great variety to their song writing over the course of the six Skyforger albums. The first of these was unleashed from the forge in 1997. Titled 'Semigalls' Warchant', the demo tape told tales of the last free Pagan tribes of the Baltic peoples; and their struggles with Christian invaders throughout the thirteenth century. These tales of ancient tribal Latvia and its Heathen tradition were to be expanded upon in 1998 with Skyforger's first full-length album, 'Kauja pie Saules' ('The Battle of Saule'). Later, in 2000, band followed with their third release, the First World War themed album 'Latvian Riflemen'. Skyforger signed to the German label Folter Records and soon the world saw the release of their newest Pagan Metal masterpiece, - 'Thunderforge', which was a fine return to their old themes of ancestral culture and Heathen gods. The next album in line, recorded also in 2003, was the self-released 'Sword Song', - an album of purely acoustic Latvian Folk music and a long coming tribute to their ancient forefathers' heritage. In 2005 Folter Records released re-mastered demo album 'Semigalls' Warchant' on CD format, with additional EP 'Asinslauks'. Skyforger spent next few years working on a conceptual album about the legendary Latvian fairytale hero, Kurbads. The album, similarly entitled 'Kurbads', was released worldwide via Metal Blade Records in 2010. Throughout the years, band has been busy on festival stages all over Europe and Skyforger is well known for their non-compromising live performances. Skyforger released their latest album 'Old Prussia' on 6th of April, 2015, on Thunderforge Records. Right now band is actively working on new album, with approximate release date 2023/2024. Discography: Semigalls' Warchant (1997 mc, 2005 cd) Kauja Pie Saules (1998) Latvian Riflemen (2000) Thunderforge (2003) Sword Song (2003) Kurbads (2010) Old Prussia (2015) Line-up: Peter – lead vocals / guitars, Edgars "Zirgs" – bass / backing vocals Alvis – guitars / backing vocals Jānis – drums & percussion