Return of the classic sound "Spellbound II"
Nikiforos V. Skoumas | Athens Greece, Cambridge UK | 07/20/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
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This is the new album by legendary N.W.O.B.H.M. band "Tygers of Pan Tang". Five years past their previous studio album "Noises from the Cathouse", 2008 sees the return of the established line up of Rob Weir (guitars), Dean Robertson (Guitars), Craig Ellis (Drums), Brian West (bass) and new lead singer Jacopo Meille.
With this release, bandleader Rob Weir has stated clearly that the band returns to its musical `80s roots. As hardcore fans will definitely be aware of, the 80s saw two versions of the "Tygers" from '79 up to `82 was the "heavy rock"/"British metal" era of the band while from `83 up to `88 the band progressed to a lighter, more "AOR" based sound. In this case the band has intensively revisited its heaviest moments and has effectively recaptured the spirit of 1981 when the "Tygers" recorded their masterpiece "Spellbound". "Animal Instinct" is asking for direct comparison to the latter album and does not fall short in any way. In Fact "A. Instinct" could have been titled "Spellbound part 2". Although these albums are separated by a genealogical gap of over 25 years, their similarities are more than obvious: The guitar riffs have once again that rock `n roll attitude, the melodies sound strikingly familiar (yet original), while vocalist J. Meille's sound and performance comes devilishly close to that of classic "Tygers" singer John Deverill.
If you are a die hard "Tygers" fan, it is natural to assume you have already ordered this album; if you followed the "Tygers" at some point in their career, you can safely invest on this album in the knowledge that the boys have reached a new artistic peak while crafting this release. Every track has something to offer while sounding fresh and original this is definitely value for money.
"RockHard" Greek Magazine (issue 33) marks this album with 8/10 commenting: "Animal Instinct is an unexpectedly good release"
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Dedicated to true hard rock lovers!
M. Kazumi | Vicenza, Italy | 01/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Last time I saw Tygers was the concert at Hammersmith Odeon back in 1982 (if my memory is correct).
As one of NWOBHM bands, they were brilliant but less fortunate compared with their colleagues such as Iron Maiden or Def Leppard.
I bought this album because I am still a big fan of NWOBHM.
And I found that this album is not just for nostalgia but it's one of the best rock albums in recent years.
From the 1st to the last track, all songs are very well composed and played with great riffs and musicianship. New vocalist Jacopo Meille is very talented and has overtaken his predecessors.
Even if you are not into NWOBHM, as long as you love good hard rock, this album won't make you disappointed.
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