Fate often has a strange way of throwing up things when you least expect them.

That is certainly the case for Keighley's finest goth punk rockers Skeletal Family, who have reformed due to a resurgence in interest.

The band, which enjoyed widespread critical support and success during the Eighties, is experiencing a renaissance and gaining a new generation of fans after its songs appeared on compilations alongside modern-day goth heroes like Marilyn Manson.

A compilation of the band's finest moments entitled Promised Land - The Best of Skeletal Family, featuring favourites such as She Cries Alone and Just a Minute, has just been released on Cherry Red records.

And the classic line up of Stan Greenwood on guitar, Anne-Marie Hurst on vocals, Roger "Trotwood" Nowell on bass and drummer Martin Henderson has been in rehearsals with a view to playing gigs in the near future.

Stan Greenwood says: "Since our songs appeared on gothic compilations next to Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson it is really taking off again and we've had the offer of gigs in Germany, America and Italy.

"We've had four rehearsals with myself, Roger and Martin and it is just a case of playing back the old songs and learning them all over again.

"I couldn't even remember the chords to some of the songs, but they still sound really good.

"We should have reformed a few years ago, but now that we have we want to make sure we don't end up as just a "cabaret" band. We are going to pick what's right for us."

Formed in December 1982 from the ashes of The Elements, the band topped the indie album chart with Burning Oil, rising above the likes of New Order and The Smiths. Their other Red Rhino album, Futile Combat, reached the top 10, and their two major label singles with Chrysalis, Restless and Just a Minute, both did decent business.

During the peak of their powers the band headlined the Marquee, in London, and supported the likes of Sisters of Mercy and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Skeletal Family also recorded a number of BBC sessions for John Peel and Janice Long before the members went their own separate ways in 1987.

"We are trying to get the master tapes from the BBC, " adds Stan. "Although we rushed the sessions the quality was amazing, and we'd like to reissue them."

These days Stan plays with Keighley rockers The Big Bang, Trotwood is a bass technician for bands such as Oasis and Ocean Colour Scene, Anne-Marie works in computers and still lives in Keighley, and Martin Henderson plays drums for The Quireboys and lives in LA.

More information can be obtained from the band's website at www.skeletalfamily.com

A review of Promised Land - The Best of Skeletal Family will appear in next week's Knights Out.