Album reviews

Album Reviews

The Light, the Dark, and the Endles Knot...

Attitude (Scotland): http://www.burieddreams.com/attitude/

Waylander - The Light The Dark and the Endless Knot

The Irish Pagan inspired metal act who if you recall had a rather fine album released through Century Media in 1998 titled "Reawakening Pride once Lost", and then disappeared due to Label disagreements and the in house shit that disheartens many a band. The tin whistle was a trademark novelty that enriched the debut album which was criminally ignored at the time. With this new release the Tin whistle is used to good effect and basically makes the sound easier to distinguish. The pagan atmospheres are less effective and overall the sound is more a mid-paced death metal dirge with grizzled guitar riffs occasionally hitting an up-tempo romp only to withdraw back into the coarse comfortless mood that saturates the album. There are clean vocals mixed with the harsh that remind us of the bands past and yet the production whether imposed or inadvertently acquired is entrenched in those early Peaceville days. The gelid docility of early Anathema and My Dying Bride emanates throughout and is broken only by the bands own brand of folk influences. I think this album is a couple of years to late to have the impact it deserves but original and refreshing it can be at times and it's an album that needs a few spins to break through the initially phlegmatic material. Once though you'll discover a solid pagan metal release.

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From www.nimetalforum.com

Waylander "The Light, The Dark & The Endless Knot"

So after much harangue and roughly three years wait, the new one from Northern Ireland's only Signed Metal Band is here, and it's markedly different to the first. "Reawakening..." was happier at the deathlier end of the scale, applying pace and weight to its traditional celtic stringplay, indulging the ethnic tendencies as a matter of great concern. Although the jig form is retained throughout this cd also, everything seems more relaxed - more concerned with exploration and dénoument than trying to push the agressive instinct at all times. This time round the band have given themselves alot more space to move in, the song structures being open and free flowing in a good way ; nothing sounds contrived, and each step in the song seems like the natural and correct progression.

Nowadays the band's older metallic influences are showing through alot more clearly. At many times I am reminded of Hawkwind, Sabbath, even Thin Lizzy. The two opening tracks certainly concentrate more on conveying the lyrical slant as opposed to developing a distinct sound from the outset, and unfortunately this renders them a shade nondescript. This is a small glitch however as things pick up as soon as the title track kicks in with its vaguely Megadeth inspired lietmotif. A fantastic track containing all the Waylander tradmarks; brutal vocal, highly rumblesome double bass drumming and the good old tin whistle. It seems alot of thought has gone into this track in particular as the musical dynamic echoes perfectly the 'Light & Dark.." concept with its contrasting shades. Interest now sufficiently awakened, "To Rule Was Pre-Ordained" holds the listener tightly, largely down to the lyrical narrative and again a nice variety of tones.

"Morrigans Domain" is a bona fide classic. Possibly the best tune the band have ever penned. It would be a grave injustice if this track were not played regularly on the rock dancefloors of the land, and the mind boggles as to the lunacy this song will induce when played live. Spaced out at the start , very very gradually building to a set of riffs of such seriously immense proportion as to make one undertake simulatneous air guitar and drumming in earnest upon each spin. This song is just full of good stuff and even the solo sounds like Gary Moore a wee bit. And that climax riff, holy shit.

Now down to the hard part, where my enthusiasm gives way to a face of grim and intense concentration. Although the feel of the music is at most times loose and spacious, the playing on many occassions almost, but not entirely, falls completely short of what one would deem 'tight'. Yes, it is sloppy in parts, and not one musical element escapes this. The effect is particularly virulent on Anu's Retribution (surely anus retribution?) in which some obvious slips are made. Also I feel that the use of traditional instrumentation is always going to be an area fraught with difficulty due to the nature of their tuning or lack thereof, and the whistle does sound a mite out at times, but only a musician would really be aware of this so it isnt really a major worry.

Ones choicest puff will be necessary to savour the relaxed celestial journeyings of the frankly excellent "Release the Spirit Within", although Im sure Ive seen this titlle in Waterstones 'self help' paperbacks section, or on Oprah or something. All joking aside its a great track and winds the album down nicely and contains the best flute work.

I would recommend purchase of this album to anyone, and would wish to dispel the notion that it is only of nationalistic or pagan metal interest; theres elements here for fans of nearly every metallic style. Aside from the aforementioned looseness / lazyness in the execution and the cringe inducingly unoriginal Kirk Hammet solo worship (toe curling i assure you - " l.d.& e.k.") its a solid cd which offers greater variety than its predecessor if a little less brutality.

Loose translation from the EMP catalogue:

Waylander released their first album 1998 through Century Media, an album some of you still will remember. The Irish band created a mix of rough thrash metal and Irish folk which sounded really unique. The 2001 Waylander continues on this path, combining simple riffs and agressive singing with short folk sounds and flute parts. The whole thing sounds quit elevated, but although the guitars are really dominant, you feel like travelling back to old places. A little disturbing thing for some people may be the vocals, which sounds too "troubled" sometimes. If you liked the debut album, you´ll like this CD for sure!

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From www.undernetmetal.org:

Waylander - Reawakening Pride Once Lost

WHOA!!!! Where the hell did these guys come from? These guys fucking rule the world. I can't get enough of Waylander. I never heard of these guys before until the other day when MÃ¡irtÃn Mac Cormaic emailed me and told me to check out his band. I waited a few days before I did I finally got a listen to them on November 28, 2001. I am very impressed. Irish Black Folk Metal. Trying saying that 3 times fast LOL. I couldn't get enough of these guys. Insanely great. I love the drumming on this cd its so fast you could loose your mind. Den Ferran does a great job on the drums like you wouldn't believe. He's not insanely fast like Krisiun's drummer or Stormlord's drummer but he is still great. He goes all over the place.

As for the other players. Also very great. Guitar riffs are original which is always a good thing. There are no solos though with this cd so that's kind of a down point as I love solos but I still think the CD kicks ass. One of the greatest things I loved about this cd was Mac Cormaic's Tin Whistle. It adds a very emotional feeling to the CD and really makes the CD sound better. Listen to the song, "Boxer to the Fight". That's where the Tin Whistle goes nuts. I personally think this one of the better CDs I have. Goes way up there next to Stormlord, Autumn Leaves, Vintersorg and other bands.

As for production you can't get any better than this. You can hear everything so clearly. Drums, Guitars, Tin Whistle, Vocals. One of the better-produced CD's released. When Den Ferran hits the double bass drums you can really feel the double bass drums and my bass on my CD player were at low range. So how killer is that! I have it right now at the max and it's pumping my stomach. Awesome production.

Score: 10/10

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On the Surface (UK)

Waylander: Reawakening pride once lost
1998
(Century Media)

Track listing: Sunrise, Born to the fight, With veins afire, Emain macha, Gaelic dawn, Once upon an era, A hero's lament, King of the fairies, Keen of knowledge, Victory feast, Awakening
Total playing time: 48'08''

The Irish are people of extremes. Having put gross generalisations where they ought to be - right at the front - I can now verify that 'Waylander' are, indeed, very Irish and very extreme. The expression 'middle way' has either never occurred or never appealed to them. As a result of this approach, very serene and very brutal parts coexist in this CD and you'll be hard pressed to find anything in-between. Finding out how on earth they managed to make Irish folk music and Death metal sound as if they were made for each other is at least one good reason for buying this little gem.

A comparison with 'Skyclad' is unnecessary but irresistible. Well, if you liked early 'Skyclad' then you have to buy this. This doesn't mean that 'Waylander' just rushed in to fill a niche that was conveniently vacated when 'Skyclad' moved away from their rougher origins. There is enough musical tradition in Ireland for 'Waylander' to draw from and be proud of (by the way, they quote the 'Horslips' among their influences, a highly recommended outfit which until recently I knew nothing about - thanks for that tape John!).

I liked all the songs in here but the tribal 'King of the fairies' (or is it leprechauns?) fully justified the CD's title in my view. This is powerful and proud music. If you are in any way fond of pagan culture but you don't see flower power as an essential part of your life (to put it mildly) this is for you.

(Reviewed 15 March 1999)

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Attitude (Scotland)

Century Media | Waylander - Reawakening Pride Once Lost

Cíaran O'Hagan (Vocals)
Den Ferran (Drums)
Michael Proctor (Bass)
Dermot O'Hagan (Guitar)
Máirtín MacCormick (Tin Whistle) (Bodhran)

Waylander are definitely a band who are about tradition. Their particular blend of traditions consists of Irish folk music and good old skool (I want to know who started this spelling school with a 'K' malarky -- it's just plain silly) metal. Their record company, Century Media, are attempting to represent them as quaint little Irishmen from the "lush, green hills of Ireland" steeped in Celtic traditions and Paganism. OK. They may come from the rather large town of Portadown in Northern Ireland and seemed perfectly in touch with modern life (and the merits of Buckfast Tonic Wine) when we interviewed them back last summer, but they are extremely passionate about their heritage and the Irish flavour of their music is no mere gimmick.

Waylander are made up of the traditional metal line-up of guitar, bass and drums along with a tin whistler (and bodhran player -- a bodhran being a traditional war drum. If I'm right, I can hear something that sounds like a kettle drum in the album; it's either the bodhran, or they borrowed a kettle drum in the studio and something else is the bodhran) and a death-grunting vocalist.

"OK, enough of this ethnic gibberish are they any good?" I hear you ask (telepathically AND psychically, of course, as you're not going to read this for a week or two). Well, yeah I think this is a really good first album. The boys have translated Irish fiddle tunes to the electric guitar and made them rock really hard. Celtic music has always rocked, how else do you keep warm in the long cold winters of Northern Europe? Fast dancable toe-tapping music and lots of drink and dancing. This is me speaking as a Highlander who's never been to an authentic traditional ceilidh (that wasn't a school dance or something) in my life; it's quite funny. Sorry, I've slipped into ethnic mode.

Let's get back to the music. There are basically two moods to this album and they are fast heavy and agressive with death grunting vocals and mental giutar riiffs and whistling; and more slow and thoughtful, often sad, with Cíaran swapping the death-grunt for clean vocals. The mix and structuring of these moods (often within the same song) works really well, alternately impressing the listener with still timeless beauty and riling him/her up into the agrression of a warrior (the heavy sections are much heavier than you'd ever imagine a Celtic metal band to be -- this ain't bloody Runrig). This is an album dripping with emotion: love for ones homeland, anger and sadness at the marginalisation of ones culture, and, of course, the fun to be had from a good hard mosh.

The only things I have against this album are the quality of the production (I think a little more time and money could have been spent on getting the mix perfect) and Cíaran's slighly wobbly vocals in the more lyrical parts (I'm sure they will improve with a little more practice and confidence).

All in all, this is a bloomin' good album with something non-generic and honest to offer. Add a little texture to your album collection and buy it!

Wolfbitch

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Torodd Fuglesteg (Norway)

Waylander "Reawakening Pride Once Lost" CD (Century Media)

Waylander are attempting to do what the Scandinavian Black Metal scene has done in the last four years; create Ethnic Black Metal. Waylander comes from Ireland and they, thankfully, blend in Irish and Gaelic Folk music in their Black Metal. The influences from Skyclad are also very much evident. The result is only partly a success. Their main problem is that the material is not developed enough. This release is just an insight in what Waylander are able to do if they are given enough time. This is a highly talented band, their concepts are very interesting and I hope that they take their concept further on the follow up to this album. In the meantime; get this album if you are interested in this kind of metal.

**** Lord Loch Lomond

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ZEITGEIST (England)

Waylander - "Reawakening Pride Once Lost"

Well this has been a long time coming. I've got their "Dawning of a New Age" demo from early '96, and until this CD dropped through the letterbox I assumed them missing in action.But was it worth the wait? Hell, yeah! If you think Lizzy's "Emerald" is one of the finest rock tracks ever, then this is for you. I mean they even list Horslips as one of their influences! So what you get is Death Metal vocals, brutal riffs, Celtic rhythms, tin-whistle and bodhran. Sounds like a mess, but it works to epic effect. Three of the four tracks from "Dawning..." have made it onto the CD and it's a sign of progress that they're the weakest of the tracks on offer. After all, two years ago I was singing their praises but now the likes of "Born to the Fight" and "Once Upon an Era" leave them for dead. Given the right knid of exposure, Waylander could be as big in the 90's as Lizzy were in the 70's.

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SPIN CITY (Belgium)

Waylander - "Reawakening Pride Once Lost"

After the pitiful passing away of Cruachan (they would have become a pop band!), it seemed as if Primordial were all that was left to keep Ireland's Pagan flag high up, yet it seems as if the release of Waylander's debut brings a change in this. Filled with pride, they sing about the glorious past of our Celtic ancestors and as these roots are especially strong in their green country, it wasn't too difficult for Waylander to get enough inspiration. Their sound combines some Pagan/Black-scene elements (especially when it comes to the raw vocals) with a solid dose of Heavy Metal, Skyclad's fresh look on music and an extra portion of pure Irish folk and you'll be able to imagine what kind of brilliant result this gives. The draggin'-along tempo of "Born to the Fight" or "Once Upon an Era" make sure you can't sit still, "Emain Macha" is more melancholic and even pretty depressed at moments, the instrumental "Gaelic Dawn" makes you dream away with the beautiful flute-playing and Waylander's version of the 2000 year-old folk song "King of the Fairies" makes you jump up spontaneously for a wild jig around the campfire. This is without any doubt one of the most original releases I heard lately and it's hardly out of my CD-player!

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DRUNK & DISORDERLY (England)

Waylander - "Reawakening Pride Once Lost" (Release of the month!)

I'm sure it's a complete coincidence, but the opening few bars to "A Hero's Lament" sound familiar to the title track of Hammerfall's excellent debut "Glory to the Brave". The interesting thing is that while they do things in a different way, they do similar, yet not the same, things. The battles contained in Waylander's songs are more subtle nuances and the approach is different, yet it's a good starter. Taking Death Metal, even the stuff off their earlier demos and covering it with swaths of tin-whistle would never be an easy task, yet Waylander manage it well, to the extent that the earlier demo stuff (now with added whistle) sounds better than the new stuff, presumably written with this instrument in mind. Yes, it's one of those - just under half the album is re-recordings of stuff off the demos, improved in all but a slight change in vocals in the odd place. The album manages a certain harshness, and yet can counter its effects at will with the wind-section, and choses not to in the right places. Even the cover of the 2000 year-old classic "King of the Fairies" is treated with the right doses of roughness, quite hard for what is in essence an instrumental! Some of this stuff was previewed live last Summer and it conquered then. Now that it's lying before me on the desk, it still conquers and I anticipate it still doing so after numerous heavy and sleepless nights. The kind of album that's built for most moods.

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DEPRIVED (Ireland)

Waylander - "Reawakening Pride Once Lost"

These lads have really blossomed in recent years and with "Reawakening..." they've laid down eleven red-blooded original tunes, five of which are taken from their two demos. For those of you unfamiliar with these Irish hooligans, they play Heavy (Death) Metal with a large Celtic influence complete with bodhran and tin-whistle. They've quite a distinctive guitar sound and Hippie O'Hagan (Cíaran to some) uses great clear vocals to enhance the music further. Also now with Máirtín on the whistle, the Celtic influence is more prominent than on the band's previous recordings. They've recorded a unique cover of "King of the Fairies" too, which features some very clever chanting, and they've overall lifted the song to a new level. Waylander have really got their shit together lately and have recorded a very memorable album indeed, and the new material is said to be more mature - look forward to it. In the meantime, get your Buckfast out, as this is DRINKING MUSIC!

Nordic Vision magazine (No. 8 Winter 1997 issue)

Waylander "Dawning of a New Age"

Hailing from the fresh fields of Eire does our next aquaintence. Waylander plays Metal mixing in Irish feelings now and then in their tunes which sounds good. The music moves forward in a fashion that makes it interesting though still having it's share of parts that very much becomes tiring and makes us forget about the music. They have got something talented cooking which comes through in their memorable moments. The music could be defined as Metal with a melodic edge accompanied with pretty raw vocals which at times don't really fit into the melodic music. It gets somewhat too intense. more distracting us than harmonicly floating alongside the Metal. 4 songs are on this tape available for 2.5 pounds (UK and Eire), $5 in Europe and $6 world.

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Attitude (Scotland):

Waylander - "Dawning of a New Age"

Sunrise starts the demo off with a very slow atmospheric number, permeated by Waylander's characteristic tin whistle. It has an almost Anathema (Eternity era) feel, with softly spoken vocals. This provides a good atmosphere for the rest of the demo to build upon. It is followed by the title track, a more traditional metal song with death grunt vocals and a very Celtic feel to the guitar riffs and war-like drums, although that probably owes more to the production than intent. Much heavier and a great tune, if a bit repetitive, but it's a good contrast to what came before and shows you're not in for a dull mono-stylistic demo. A Hero's Lament is really a mixture of the two styles which came before. Starting off with a soft and sad vocal line, it quickly heavies up a bit and moves on to the death grunts and double bass beats before tailing off into a sad ending.

Emain Macha is probably the best and most varied of the lot, again with lots of Irish/Celtic influence. There is a hint of another band on one of the riffs in the middle, possibly Entombed, and very apt mood/speed changes. The second half brings on vocals similar to MBD on 'Your Shameful Heaven' with the tin whistle taking the place of the violin. Then the grinding guitar kicks in again as the song climaxes amidst double bass hammerings.

Waylander are an ace band, and the nicest bunch of people you could meet. Michael, their bassist, even gave me some of his Buckie! NB: Waylander are about to be signed, so you'll be hearing more from them soon.