WAYLANDER

Waylander were conceived in the summer of 1993 when Peter Boylan [guitar] joined forces with Dermot O'Hagan [guitar] and Ciaran O'Hagan [vocals]. A name which conjured images of Warriors, Magic and Ancient times was called upon : the name Waylander answered their cries.

Soon Peter drifted off to walk his own path but almost immediately a bass player was found in the form of Jason Barriskill. By the Autumn of 1993 a working line up was completed with the addition of Denis Fearon on Drums. Song writing began with the very odd cover being given a unique twist, But soon through influences such as: Skyclad, Black Sabbath, Slayer, Iron Maiden and Horslips an infantile sound of their own soon began to take shape. Lyrically tales of Warriors, Druids, Magic and Ancient Times set the atmosphere for the compositions. A few local gigs were played while an endless and eventually fruitless search for a second Guitarist culminated in the decision to continue as a single guitar band.

In October '94 Waylander entered an 8 track studio to record 5 tracks, released in January '95 under the title of 'Once Upon An Era'. A number of gigs were subsequently undertaken to promote the demo as well as a campaign of promotion throughout the Metal Underground. Responses from the fanzines were encouraging, so much so that the Belgian Label 'Shiver Records' offered the band the opportunity to contribute a track to ' Sometimes Death Is Better ' Compilation cds. ' Born To The Fight ' was chosen and re-recorded in a 24 track studio on a July day in 1995.

No sooner had this been completed, Waylander were asked to contribute 2 songs to a Cross Community/Peace Initiative Compilation CD by the Building Bridges Foundation. The band were booked into 'No Sweat' Studio near Coleraine, a 24 track studio, run by Clive Culbertson. As the band on the most part considered themselves Pagan, they were amazed to discover that Clive is actually an authentic Druid. Waylander left pleased with the results and the chance to explore new paths. It was agreed that the band would record their 2nd Demo tape there.

October of '95 saw the dismissal of bassist Jason, due to personal differences. He was replaced immediately by Michael Proctor, who learnt the set and played a gig in Tuam, Co.Galway a week later. After this a fine tuning of new songs took precedence and in March Of '96, Waylander returned to No Sweat studios to continue their work with Cosmic Clive Culbertson. 4 tracks were recorded and released in the summer of '96 under the title of 'Dawning Of A New Age'. On this release Tin Whistle was used to great effect so it was decided to have a permanent exponent of this instrument in the band. Soon Mairtin McCormaic was recruited to the Clan, as it had now become. The demo received excellent reviews throughout the Metal Underground resulting in some prestigious gigs, supporting Thus Defiled then gigs in London and Glasgow as well as throughout Ireland.

At this stage it was felt that Waylander should try and get signed, judging by the positive feedback over this release. Soon, several labels had expressed an interest in working with the band. It was decided that an offer from Century Media was too good of an opportunity to ignore and Waylander duly signed with that label in late '97. On New years day 1998, Waylander flew to Germany to record their debut album. They recorded at Stage 1 studios with Andy Classen Producing [ Rotting Christ, Holy Moses etc]. 11 Songs were recorded and released in April '98 under the powerful title of 'Reawakening Pride Once Lost'. Reactions were wide and varied with much of the press at a loss as to what category Waylander should be classed as.

A period of inactivity followed, with the promised tour from Century Media never materialising. Waylander went through the motions of playing gigs but it was clear that all were completely disillusioned with the whole scene and business. A stormy 'crisis' band meeting soon shook off the lethargy, with a renewed quest to find a second guitarist, the initial step. In the summer of '99 after 6 years, Peter Boylan rejoined the band. It was decided to begin work on another album, with much experimentation and reinvention of sound taking place

A new deal was forthcoming with the German Label Arse Metalli, so at the end of 2000, Waylander booked themselves in once again to record with Cosmic Clive. A lucky escape soon occurred, as it turned out that Arse Metalli couldn't afford to pay for the recordings, leaving Waylander labeless and disillusioned once more. Shortly after this, Denis decided to leave the band, but within a short space of time another drummer in the shape of Bo Murphy joined the Clan. A short time later and contact was made with Blackend/PHD, leading to a mutually satisfactory agreement to record 3 albums.

Once again, Waylander travelled North to Coleraine to record with Clive Cosmic Culbertson. Late May early June 2001 saw the long overdue opus be finally laid to rest. The album entitled ' The Light , The Dark , And The Endless Knot ' will be released in October 2001.

Unfortunately, due to musical differences Waylander have since parted company with both Peter Boylan and Bo Murphy, a new guitarist and drummer will be recruited and once the line-up is steady once again expect Waylander to play more gigs to promote this album than they've done in their whole career !!