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Justice Served

      
         
         
         
     
             
Tytan are a heavy metal band from the UK, forming in 1981, breaking up in 1983 and reforming in 2012.    
             
1985 is a memorable year for so many reasons: the dual venue concert Live Aid was held, the first ever episode of the British soap opera Eastenders was aired, the James Bond movie A View To A Kill was released, featuring Roger Moore in his final appearance as the fictional British MI6 agent, and 'Brothers In Arms', the fifth studio album by British rock band Dire Straits, charted at Number One worldwide. The ever growing popularity of heavy metal was given new blood, with debut albums by Exodus, Overkill and Megadeth, while in the UK, the NWOBHM evolution continued to grow with bands Girlschool, Grim Reaper and Venom all releasing albums, along with the mighty Iron Maiden, releasing their live album 'Live After Death'. During the early to mid eighties, many NWOBHM bands came, made an impact, and for whatever reason, disbanded, dissolved or broke up...and Tytan was one of those bands. Their 1985 release 'Rough Justice' came two years after the band broke up. Hard hitting and catchy with some very strong melodies, 'Rough Justice' is classic British heavy metal with standout songs 'Blind Men And Fools', 'Cold Bitch' and 'Forever Gone'.    
             
In 2012 the band reformed, led by original members Kevin Riddles, Steve Gibbs and Steve Mann, playing the Keep It True XV Festival in Germany that same year. Subsequent years has seen a number of line-up changes, including the departure of Steve Gibbs, with the band writing a follow up album to 'Rough Justice'. And now, in 2017, thirty two years after that debut release, 'Justice Served' is set to be unleashed. Back in the day, Tytan didn't follow the NWOBHM standard sound, they opted for a much more melodic approach, using keyboards to great atmospheric effect, similar in style to fellow UK bands Praying Mantis and Di'anno (led by former Iron Maiden front man Paul Di'anno). The new album has the same feel, vibe and sound as the bands debut, and will have you dreaming that you have actually stepped back in time to the mid eighties. 'Love You To Death' is a catchy riff laden opening song with the unmistakable NWOBHM guitar sound and an infectious sing a long style chorus. Tytan are back, and back doing what they did best. 'Fight The Fight' is an anthemic style mid tempo romp, 'Spitfire' is a quick paced, bluesy sounding song, while 'Reap The Whirlwind' is atmospheric and epic. Indeed, 'Reap The Whirlwind' will send chills down your spine, such is its atmospheric projection.    
             
Tytan are not relying on their past glory to carry them through their reincarnation. 'Justice Served' is worthy of its place in the modern day heavy metal era, breaking the traditional NWOBHM sound with songs such as 'Midnight Sun' and 'Worthy Of Honour' full of acoustics and soulful vocals. Making an appearance on the new album is 'Forever Gone', from the bands debut album. Keeping true to the pace and sound of the original version, 'Forever Gone' is energetic and infectious...and does not sound out of place on the new album. Picking up the intensity and pace, the instrumental 'Billy Who?' is everything the traditional sound of British heavy metal stands for. Mid tempo and moody with a superb doom laden, buzzing guitar sound, 'Hells Breath' is a brooding, menacing song that chugs relentlessly. The bluesy feel returns with the pulsating 'One Last Detail', full of old style rock and roll swagger. Sparkling stuff... 'Justice Served' has come thirty two years after the debut album and it has most definitely been worth waiting for, I just hope the bands third album is not so long in coming. But until then, 'The Cradle' brings an end to proceedings. Mid tempo and atmospheric, the NWOBHM guitar sound so evident, 'The Cradle' marches majestically on in proud anthemic style.    
             
Overall, Tytan are back with a thumping album of atmospheric and epic NWOBHM, infectious and catchy, full of energy and intensity with a massive melodic edge.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
Reviewed for Metal Gods TV    
             
             
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