Terrorizer Magazine
Rosetta, Belfast, 30 April 2005
Quite what assures Waylander the rapturous reception they gather tonight is sometimes hard to fathom. Having endured more line-up changes than is fair, it's perhaps the home crowd's acknowledgement of the woes endured by these perennial underdogs that helps generate such an enthusiastic pit. The band themselves are more confident than in the past, with new material aired leaning back to the Celticised death metal of their debut rather than the meditative digressions of their weak last album. As ever then, Waylander are a phoenix rising from what appeared to be permanent ashes.
Latvian pagan metallers Skyforger have shown considerable grit to even bother hitting Ireland at all, and their efforts are rewarded with a warm reception. Their bombastic last album is well represented, and the passion of their delivery is evident, but in spite of that there is still the hint of the mediocre about their performance tonight. Stripped of the most stirring elements that the recorded experience provides, they find themselves in more simplified metallic territory. No harm in that of course, but minus the runic chanting and rousing supplementary instrumentation, a little of the magic is lost in translation. Great metal, but not as epic as promised.
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Mark McCormick
Rosetta, Belfast, 30 April 2005 (w/ Skyforger, Old Season, Fallen, Aftermath, and Mirthless)
It's been awhile since we saw Waylander in top form due to continuous line-up changes and label problems, but tonight we finally see Waylander confident and strong!
After their first gig in awhile the night before, Waylander were well warmed up and ready to put on a show for us tonight. After impressive performances from Mirthless, Aftermath, Fallen, and especially Old season the crowd were itching with anticipation as Waylander took to the stage. They opened their set with "With Veins Afire" and the Ard Chieftain bellowing "WE ARE WAYLANDER! AND THIS IS WITH VEINS AFIRE!!!!!!!" We where then given the grace of many Waylander classics including A Hero's Lament, Morrigan's Domain, and also two new songs - Galloping Gaels and Walk With Honour. The highlight of Waylanders performance would have to be the last song in their set, Born To The Fight, which sent the crowd into a frenzy of intense moshing,... and some attempted Irish dancing.
This was my first time seeing Waylander live but from the atmosphere I would have to say this was one of Waylander best gigs to date! They got a great sound and between songs received continuous cheers and chanting of "Way-lan-der! Way-lan-der! Way-lan-der!" We where also introduced to Waylander's new guitarist who played like he had been in the band since the very beginning. Waylander are now stronger than ever and will have a new album coming out sometime this year titled "Honour Amongst Chaos."
After this incredible performance from Waylander it would have been hard for Skyforger, the headliners, to pull of an even better performance but even so, these Latvian Pagans knew how to get the crowd going and pulled of an equally impressive performance. This had to be one of the best Irish gigs of the year!!
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From www.metalireland.com
Waylander - Rosetta, Belfast, 21st Dec 2001
Performing this gig in the face of utter improbability, the mighty Waylander nonetheless pulled it off. For starters they got a great sound, but the nature of their riffing lends them that anyway on most occasions. One particularly surprising feat was the tin whistle - not only was it 100% in tune for the duration of the set, it also added a tremendous amount to the music, and in retrospect the band would not have been even half as engrossing without it. New drummer Nick Shannon, having only been in the band 3 weeks, did well in the obviously adverse circumstances. It wasnt perfect however, especially at the start of the set where the whole band seemed a bit shaky, and for a dreadful moment it seemed as if we would have to enjoy 45 minutes of squirming. It wasnt to be though, because despite a few hiccups strewn across the set, the band found their rhythm about 10 minutes in and never looked back. As predicted, the new albums best track "Morrigans Domain" was an absolute belter, and Nick did exceedingly well in recreating the cd experience with a high degree of fidelity. Other highlight "To Rule was Pre-Ordained" was equally convincing. Great tone, especially the clean parts, good connection with the pitiful crowd and... well, and Fart who is a legendary genius. So overall they were at times shaky but convincing nonetheless. 3.8/5