As previously reported, back in April 2005 THE CLAN DESTINED, featuring former SKYCLAD frontman Martin Walkyier and ex-IMMORTAL bassist Iscariah, had disbanded due to creative differences. After an extended period of silence Walkyier was able to finish The Clan Destined album, In The Big Ending..., and announced his retirement from the music business upon its release. In a recenty interview with BW&BK;, Wakyier discussed the disbanding of the group and how the project was saved, as well as pondering his life as something other than a singer. The following is a brief excerpt from the conversation:

"The Clan Destined’s In The Big Ending… CD would never have even seen the light of day had it not been for the assistance, support and true friendship shown to me by (producer) Andy Sneap and (guitarist) James Murphy," says Walkyier. "Basically, they are responsible for saving this project from the scrap heap, and even though they are given full credit on the CD words truly cannot express how grateful I am for their support during my darkest hour. Andy really liked the music I had written with Iscariah, and witnessed first hand all the childish bullshit I went through once he’d decided to quit The Clan Destined. Andy wanted to help me complete the demo, but he had the guys from Nevermore coming to the U.K. to record in his studio at the very same time. That’s when James most kindly offered to travel over from the U.S. and work on getting the vocals recorded and helping Andy with the final mixes. Andy and James are both great guys, and this final stage of the recording and mixing was the most enjoyable aspect of the whole thing for me. I’ll never forget all their help and kindness."

It's hard to imagine Walkyier not fronting a band given his years behind the microphone with Skyclad and appearances on numerous other projects...

"I also cannot really imagine what life will be like for me without making music, as it has formed such a large part of my life for so many years. I cannot, however, go through the nightmare I have recently endured ever again. Especially with an ill, elderly father to look after. It took six years following my departure from Skyclad to get these TCD songs released; and even though I’m proud of the final results, this was I’m afraid not a very profitable use of my time and creativity. I am currently working on several book ideas together with awesome Pagan sculptor and artist Neil Sims, who has been through similar bullshit to myself over the years. Once we have something interesting enough to show you I’m certain that there will be a few snippets and excerpts made available at www.theclandestined.com . I have a lot of things to left to say, and very many tales yet to tell. Writing seems like the easiest and most hassle-free creative outlet for me at present, whilst I try to put all this recent musical disaster well behind me."

Watch for the in-depth discussion with Walkyier in BW&BK; #98.

To order In The Big Ending... go to this location.