Their goal was to form the "ultimate pagan metal band," initially envisioning ideas like traditional Robin Hood costumes, though these concepts were soon abandoned.

The band signed with the German record label Noise International and released their debut album, The Wayward Sons of Mother Earth in 1991.

Following a tour with Overkill, they added Fritha Jenkins on violin and keyboards, along with a second guitarist, Dave Pugh, a friend of Baxter’s.

In 1994, the band released Prince of the Poverty Line, during which Cath Howell replaced Fritha Jenkins, who had left to have a baby.

However, they did replace Tiamat on the Black Sabbath Forbidden UK tour in 1995, while recording Irrational Anthems, which was released early the following year.

Oui Avant-Garde à Chance was recorded over the course of a year and, like Irrational Anthems, featured studio/session drummer Paul AT Kinson.

For many fans, Walkyier's lyrics and delivery style were central attractions, leading to fears that his departure might spell the end for the band.

This album is notable for being the first since 1995's Silent Whales of Lunar Sea to feature second guitarist Dave Pugh, who returned to Skyclad as a full member in 2014.