By Monk
The fact that the opening song on this, only the fourth album in these Geordie hallions’ storied 40-year career, is called ‘Battalions’, and that it is released on a label by the name of From The Vaults are both apt summaries of what to expect here. Because, back in the day (as us middle-aged hip kids say), Tysondog were one of the Brando-esque contenders on the nascent NWoBHM scene; but, like so many of their counterparts, they never quite made it past their first couple of albums – only to re-emerge three or so decades later and try to prove that they still have it… whatever “it may be”…
Fortunately, like many of those contemporaries that have subsequently emerged from hibernation, what Tysondog have managed to prove that they still have the enthusiasm to give a goodly percentage of the younger contenders who have sought to follow in their denim and leather clad footsteps a defiant run for their money in terms of attitude, enthusiasm and, above all, quality tunage.
With founder members Kevin Wynn and Paul Burdis having revived the band in 2008 and subsequently been joined by a combination of experienced and more youthful members, Tysondog are very much out to bite our asses. And they do so very convincingly, with a combination of hard hitting riffage and classic heavy rock melodies which make for a very satisfying old school heavy metal album, but one which also sounds fresh and relevant.
Perhaps the surprise performance for me is that of singer Alan Ross. Very much the youngest member of the band, and looking like a cross between Adam Lambert and Nathan James, his voice is very much at the lower end of the spectrum, something that very much suits the equally old school sound of the band, soaring from the Biff-style histrionics of the aforementioned ‘Battalions’ to a depth of bassy baritone that very much echoes the sound evoked by the like of Udo Dirkschneider.
Overall, ‘Midnight’ is a good exemplar of the NWoBHM which also will appeal to the NWoCR and NWoTHM generations looking to explore the roots of the respective sounds while enjoying the excitement which it caused the first time around.
- ‘Midnight’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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