Tytan was, I guess you could say, a New Wave Of British Heavy Metal super-group arising out of the ashes of Angelwitch in late 1981. When the ‘Witchbroke up their rhythm section of bassist Kevin Riddles and drummer Dave Dufort put Tytan together with vocalist Norman ‘Kal’ Swan and two guitarists Steve Gibbs and Stuart Adams. An almost immediate burst of line-up change saw Adams clear and eventually Steve Mann (ex-Liar and Lionheart) got the gig.
Now then – Tytan rocked. No mistake. Big, heavy riffs, screaming solos with some great melodies thrown in. It’s even progressive metal in parts. Grewat stuff which has stood the test of time. The band signed to a small label – Kamaflage Records for which they recorded that single, classic album which would be entitled Rough Justice.
Yet more line-up comings and goings had former Judas Priest tub thumper Les Binks fill the stool for the sessions. Indeed, the drum stool was almost Spinal Tap-esque as Binks went with various others in and out pretty much all the time. But the music was still great…..!
Sadly for Tytan, Kamaflage folded before they could release the album however a single did see the light of day in late 1982 entitled Blind Men and Fools. Not in time to save the band though who split up not long after.
Good news for us NWOBHM stalwarts (or even you young ‘uns wondering what it was all about) that album was finally picked up and re-issued by Majestic Rock Records. And what an album it is showing that had Tytan continued they could have gone far. What they left us with Rough Justice, however, is a clear signal as to what could have been. Part NWOBHM monster, part melodic rock part progressive rock, it is a true essential to any rock fan’s CD collection.
Bag yourself a copy today and be amazed at the aural pleasure it will bring you. Seriously highly recommended.