Band:	Waylander
Album:	Kindred Spirits
Style:	Celtic folk metal
Release date:	July 16, 2012
A review by:	Susan

01. Echoes Of The Sidhe
02. Lámh Dearg
03. Twin Fires Of Beltíne
04. Of Fear And Fury
05. Grave Of Giants
06. A Path Well Trodden
07. Quest For Immortality
08. Erdath
09. Kindred Spirits

I heard a single from Kindred Spirits before hearing the entire album and was very excited. New extreme folk metal that sounded promising! Turns out that by hearing that song I'd actually heard the entire album, which is 53 minutes of the same (great) song.

Waylander's fourth album could instead be referred to as embracing a style and doing it well. Sure, one doesn't need tons of variety to make a good album. But there's a fine line between that and nearing monotony. Overall Kindred Spirits is an upbeat, driving folk tune, harsh vocals, and a flute/whistle. Rinse, repeat. I think there was a short ballad or two thrown in there somewhere that slowed things down for a moment but honestly, who can be sure?

It's Celtic-based folk metal instead of Viking-based and that can be a nice change. They do use some traditional instruments to full effect, aside from the ever-present whistle, and they do create a wonderful and specific atmosphere. The energy is high and that cannot be denied. Given the chance I would run to see Waylander live as I presume these guys perform as superbly live as they do on the album, with the huge bonus of it being a lively crowd, headbanging while dancing arm in arm with each other. Some music just isn't as magical on recording, though, and a bit of variety may have solved that.

This really is appealing music, and well performed with a few sweet riffs thrown in there. I could see some listeners being mesmerized enough to stick out the entire album but for anyone more familiar with what this genre can be, after any one or two Waylander tunes you'll have had enough and be ready to listen to something else.