Zandar Zan were around for a few short years in the 1980s attempting to make their mark on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene.
They were one of many NWOBHM-related bands based up in the north east of England putting in an enthusiastic stint of gigging all across the region.
Unfortunately for Zandar Zan it did not work out with them fading away with only a trio of demo sessions.
Now those top folk at Obscure NWOBHM Releases have done it again in their usual style by somehow unearthing the band’s demos and with the cooperation of the band culled nine songs issuing them on a limited edition CD run of 500 copies as is the label’s usual practice.
It’s excellent stuff to. What you might describe as proper meaty heaviness with an up-tempo feel good slant and without being turn it up to eleven and play as fast and loud as we can. More nuanced than that.
Generally measured chunky riffs, big booming drum sound and effective soloing without being too flashy making a cohesive sound enjoyable to listen to. The vocals punchy too.
Burning Down Inside is a fine start grabbing the attention. Ready for the Weekend, as you may imagine from the title, is a booming, catchy feel-good rocker with the shout along chorus.
Wildcat follows in a similar style. Heavy and catchy with a chunky hook. Next up is Executioner. A simple, repetitive yet relentless riff which helps to build the atmosphere of the song as does the tribal style drum beat. The vocal delivery fits the lyrics so well too. A fine track indeed. Have a listen.
Living for Rock N Roll goes back to the up-tempo party rock style. Shot in the Dark and the Machine are no back numbers either.
A cover of ZZ Top’s Tush is included. Nothing too special about that with it being a song covered so often.
Zandar Zan, like many NWOBHM-era bands, had plenty to offer without emerging from the pack. Thanks to Obscure NWOBHM Releases we can enjoy the band’s work via this selection culled from their demo sessions back in the day.
As usual with Obscure NWOBHM Releases, it is a limited edition run of just 500 CDs. I bagged mine from the label. As I type this review copies are still available. Here’s the link to them and also Sonic Age Records as I see it available via them also.
https://onreleases.bigcartel.com/
https://www.sonicagerecords.com/_shop/