TYGERS OF PAN TANG 'Electrifyed'

TYGERS OF PAN TANG
Electrifyed
Mighty Music/Target Group

 The New Wave of British Heavy Metal was a brief moment in time that for people like myself and others most assuredly changed the world of Heavy Metal for the better. To this very day there's still Fests dedicated to the movement (Brofest and MearFest are the two shining examples) and of course there's bands from that era (SAXON, RAVEN, QUARTZ and of course IRON MAIDEN for example) who are still releasing new music and touring. One of the more prolific bands still plying their trade from that era is TYGERS OF PAN TANG. Formed in Whitley Bay in 1978 the band has had a couple of short hiatuses through the years but still has managed to put out 13 albums. And now welcome album No.14, 'Electrifyed'. And as I ALWAYS say when I do these reviews, there's usually 1 captain that steers the merry old ship. And in this case, it's 'Tyger' Rob Weir. When the TYGERS were just a 4 piece, his raw and muscular guitar tone really helped set them apart from the crowd. And when a young guitar slinger (the late, great John Sykes) joined the band in 1981 for the band's brilliant 'Spellbound' album, he was more than capable of sharing the glory. And the band flourished because of it. And speaking of 'Spellbound', not only Sykes but also joining the band for this album was the amazing John Deverill on vocals (ex-PERSIAN RISK). This album is in My Top 15 of ALL-TIME greatest NWoBHM albums! It has it all: heaviness, melody, brilliant songs, catchy choruses and tempo changes aplenty. If you've not heard it by all means find it and blast it! It's made to be played LOUD! You're welcome. Now back to our regularly scheduled program: the NEW album! Since we were on the subject of band members, let's give them an intro. On bass, Huw Holding, who did a couple of short stints in 2 more legendary NWoBHM bands in the 'Teens, those being AVENGER & BLITZKRIEG. Vocalist Jack Meille has been entrenched in TYGERS since 2004 and his melodic voice really fits with the ToPT catalog old & new. He and DIAMOND HEAD's vocalist Rasmus Andersen are both great young talents that keep the fire burning for these classic NWoBHM bands. Drummer Craig Ellis has been with ToPT for 26 years!! Just crazy how time flies isn't it? New member to the band on 2nd guitar is John Foottit. In the small world category: I actually met John at MearFest in Newcastle UK in 2022 and he gifted me his new at the time Instrumental CD 'Equilibrium'. A very gifted guitar player indeed who's also lending his talents to another NWoBHM band currently I believe, that being CHROME MOLLY.

 With all the players and history in place, let's focus on the album. According to the band, they took a look back at their early catalog and decided to go in a 'heavier' direction without sacrificing the sound of the TYGERS today. Aggressive opener "Rise Up!" fits that bill to a T and I'll go out on a limb and say I can see that being the Live in concert opener as well. "Forevermore" is an uptempo banger which shows that it wasn't just lip service when the band wanted to up the ante on the heavy quota. "The Powers That Be" is a riff-tastic pounder that's sure to get heads banging and fists pumping. "Dark Divinity" is a touch slower but no less potent. The title track is a muscular display of power that like METALLICA's "Ride the Lightning" is a cautionary tale about paying the price for your sins by the electric chair. I enjoy the power OF the amp. I don't wanna' be the power TO the amp. You dig? "A Shadow On Fire" might be the equivalent of the 'single' on the album, but that's not to say it's all that commercial. It's no Hair-Nation wannabe to be sure. "The Nail" is slower dirge while "The Fight Goes On" has an almost 'happy' bop to it. The early solo in "Dark Skies" reminds me of "Fallen Star" by BITCHES SIN, one of my most beloved songs from them. So that's already a win in my book. That's where the similarities end but it's still a quality song. "It's all in my head. All I See are Dark Skies". Indeed. Album closer "Revenge is Sweet" maybe isn't the way to close hard on the album, as it's the weakest track on here. I've heard much worse in my life but the album as a whole is much stronger than this cut so it makes it stand out like a two-headed dog at a pet store.

  The album sounds outstanding with a pristine production courtesy of Marco Angioni. It's most assuredly one of the heaviest TYGERS albums in many a moon. And all props go to the band for not phoning in another 'safe' by-the-numbers record. Now for the jaded listeners out there (and you know who you are) am I telling you that 'Electrifyed' is going to replace 'Wildcat' or 'Spellbound' on the top of your ToPT playlist?? Of course not. How can something that you've loved and lived with for 40+ years be tossed away for something new and shiny in 2026? But what I AM saying is that this will sit nicely in the TYGERS discography and these new cuts will fit seamlessly in the new ToPT setlist coming to a tour near you (Hopefully). And if they get close, one thing I can promise you is like the song "Wild Catz" says, "Thunder and Lightning, may strike twice. But when you're on your motorcycle Ooh, it's so nice", BET! See you suckers at the show!

And yes Sons Of Anarchy, there will be LIMITED versions of the new album. 500 Black, 500 Blue w/White Splatter, and 500 Orange w/Blue Splatter! Be quick or cry forever with stupid Discogs prices. You've been warned!

4.4 Outta 5.0 Skulls