Syllian Rayle - 23/11/05 - Slatterys, Capel St., Dublin

Re-emerging from a lull in high profile gigs of late, Syllian Rayle geared themselves up for a show that would leave all the critics reeling, and they delivered.

Arriving early to avoid the crowds of fans they set up their kit, always careful not to disclose the details of the set list even to the sound engineer (who'd been flown in from a break in the Rammstein tour especially for the gig) with great efficiency. They relaxed in their private room before the gig, decked out with a 50 inch flat screen TV for the Chelsea match and a few groupies.

I was talking to the lead singer, Moe, before the performance. He said that he'd been feeling a little ill coming up to the gig because he knew that it was going to change his life. Today he was in an internationally successful Metal band and life was peachy but tomorrow .... he along with Ross, Simon and Rob may be considered Gods. He discussed the possibility of vomitting on stage he felt so bad.

In the mean time, Ross was sticking to his well practised relaxation technique of drinking Carlesberg and watching Chelsea win football matches. Ross tends not to get involved watching their support bands, as this may incur unwanted influence on his own act.

Rob doesn't get stressed before gigs at all, and I think this stems from an extreme confidence in his own abilities. Whether this confidence is justified or not ... well you had to see the show to determine that for yourself. Let me say but this: He doesn't bring this laid back attitude into the performance itself.

When I first arrived at the venue I met Simon as he was making his way in the stage door. He has a great talent for slipping under the radar of the fan possie by simply dressing to appear as if he is in some local unheard of this-is-our-second-show-but-we're-great rock band, a support band if you will. This was accomplished by donning a large black raincoat and drinking a pint of milk from the carton while entering. In a nice touch as well, Simon chooses to carry his own base guitar to the gig instead of letting the roadies pack it, only reinforcing the support band image.

The atmosphere before the gig was electric, and the packed out crowd were chanting "Syllian Rayle" and "CuntFace" before the last support act even graced the stage. I left the bands room (through the studded velvet door) to joint the ruccous upstairs. The penultimate band were a good band, if only a covers band. They got the crowd warm with tunes from AC/DC, Velvet Revolver, Audioslave and Judas Priest. They left with their integrity intact.

In the darkness, while the army of roadies were performing their well choreographed routine to set up the stage, I could hear young people whisper to their freinds about legendary gigs of days past that they only heard about from their parents, and how this was sure to be a life changing event.

This intro music played ... the crowd erupted ... the band emerged ... Rob ... Moe ... Ross ... Simon (6 girls around me instantly fainted when seeing Simon) ... they opened "Dirge" up at 11 ...

...

When it was finally finished (with a final flurry from Rob and the destruction of his most impressive drum kit) I was covered in other peoples sweat and emotion. I wanted to stay forever. The lead singer, Moe, announced a previously unreleased gig on the Friday night following in a small intimate venue called Isaac Butts in Dublin. I had to get a ticket, I'd give my arms for one.

Tonight's the second gig and I have a ticket - after being a guest at the first gig, only two days later I had to pay a tout in South Africa 1,400 euro for a ticket. It promises to be even better.