Skyforger has been forging their music in the smithy of the Thundergod since 1995
Despite accusations of being politically influenced, Skyforger is merely devoted to the ancient history and pagan mythology of its home country, without any visible signs of political leaning. The band has removed the Latvian thunder cross from its logo because of repeated misunderstandings.
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 seven 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'.
In 2003 Skyforger released an all-folk album, "Zobena Dziesma" ("Sword Song"), in cooperation with the Latvian Culture Capital foundation, sponsored by the government.
After the release of their successful third album "Pērkoņkalve" ("Thunderforge"), the band was nominated in various rock music categories for the Latvian Music Awards 2004 and the band performed live at the award-ceremony. In 2011 their album "Kurbads" received the Latvian Music Award in the category "Best Rock Album".
Linda Bēce, Viesturs Grīnbergs and Konstantīns Švedovs were never members of Skyforger. Linda and Konstantīns only played with Grindmaster Dead. Linda did play the flute on "Semigalls' Warchant", but only as a guest.
2. Kad Ūsiņš jāj 04:57
3. Gada īsākā nakts 05:48
4. Nakts debesu karakungs 05:34
5. Garais dancis 04:13
6. Pērkoņkalve 04:47
7. Migla, migla, rasa, rasa 07:04
8. Čūsku sieviete 06:55
9. Caur aizsaules vārtiem 05:02
10. Tumsā un salā 05:48
• Pēteris "Peter": vocals, guitars, pipes, kokle
• Edgars "Mazais": drums, percussion
• Rihards Skudrītis: guitars, vocals (additional), kokle, keyboards, guitars (acoustic).
Released by Fatal Ectasy Prods under exclusive permission from Skyforger for the teritorry of Belarus.
"Thunderforge"
1. Intro
2. When Ūsiņš Rides
3. The Shortest Night of the Year
4. Warlord of the Night Sky
5. Long Dance
6. Thunderforge
7. Oh Fog, Oh Dew
8. The Woman of Serpents
9. Through the Gates of the World Beyond
10. In Darkness and Frost.
