Waylander
“Kindred Spirits”
2012
I think it would be quite difficult for any fan of Celtic folk metal to listen to the latest full-length release titled Kindred Spirits by Northern Irish band Waylander and not smile the whole time. This is a remarkably enjoyable album from a remarkably enjoyable band. Kindred Spirits does not break new ground in the folk metal genre, but keeps things interesting through creative song writing and the brilliant use of a few traditional Irish musical instruments. The whistle is used the most throughout. It adds its necessary Celtic flair to each song. Also there is the strum of the mandolin, or the beats of the Bodhran (Irish drum) that keep things with the familiar folk sound. This record has a bit more of a straight metal groove and adds the Celtic elements when necessary. They are never overplayed. The guitar playing is can swing between a direct metal thrashing chug gallop, to catchy and artistic, adding its own bits of Celtic style. Clocking in at nearly an hour long this is a grand journey Waylander takes you on with them. The standout for me has to be the song titled, Grave Of Ghosts. It is more methodical and thought provoking. Through the haunting strum and arpeggios of the Irish Bouzouki combined with the whistle to create a chilling atmosphere. Words are spoken along with this incredibly evocative experience. This is a truly inspired song that acts as a bit of an intermission in the middle of Kindred Spirits. I kept listening to it over and over because I wanted to know what it was about. What it is about I will not spoil here, but I got chills every time I heard it. Simply extraordinary. This is a great album. It plays with you and makes you want to jump up and cheer in the end. That is a quality only great art can claim. This is a fun record; I enjoyed it the whole way through. If you like this genre, you will enjoy it, too.
Tracklist:
1. Echoes of the Sidhe
2. Lámh Dearg
3. Twin Fires of Beltíne
4. Of Fear and Fury
5. Grave of Giants
6. A Path Well Trodden
7. Quest for Immortality
8. Erdath
9. Kindred Spirits
https://www.facebook.com/clanwaylander/
Members:
ArdChieftain O’Hagan – Vocals
Saul McMichael – Guitars
Michael Proctor – Bass
Lee McCartney – Drums
Dave Briggs – Folk Instruments
Tor Dennison – Guitars
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
~Kris