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TYRAN
Tyran’s Oath

Iron Shield (2024)
Rating: 7/10

German label Iron Shield Records has been churning out decent material since 2010 and one of the latest bands to join the roster is Bavarian clan Tyran. The combo originally formed in 2020 as Martyr but soon changed their name and now the debut full-length outing is upon us. Nicolas Peter (vocals), Christian Kirr (guitar), Sergej Dukart (guitar), Thomas Resch (bass) and Simon Doemling (drums) have crafted a solid slab of metal that exudes a menace not just musically but through its brooding cover art which I adore.

Admittedly, when I first saw one of the band photos I thought these guys would have more in common with 80s cult acts Witchkiller, or maybe something even darker. What you do get is a clear vocal approach from Nicolas Peter and a crisp and rather melodic hard rock vibe, particularly with the catchy but unremarkable title track. There is a nice busy solo at the midway stage but the real highlight of the album is the scorching opener ‘Protectors Of Metal’ which has a speeding Helloween vibe mixed with the Anthrax classic ‘One World’.

This is what I expected from the album, and so when the band create something more melodic or slower it just seems to pale in comparison. Peter showcases his versatility here with those high notes and the guitars spout flames as hints of Mercyful Fate flicker like black candles caressed by eerie winds. ‘Bomber’ gallops with Teutonic aplomb, driven by the clattering drums of Doemling. It’s the sound of true 80s metal even if familiar in design.

Tyran is comfortable in those mid-tempo heavy grooves too, although ‘Fists Of Iron’ and ‘Thrill Of The Chase’ lack the darkness and atmosphere of some of the other songs. ‘Strike Of The Whip’ is adequate at once again channelling the nostalgia but it’s rather unspectacular especially when compared to the zip if ‘Highway Warriors’. However, Tyran’s Oath is still an album I’ve played numerous times, somewhat lost in that cover art which tends to flatter to deceive. I expected the smoke from this one to be thicker in form but it is still a good heavy metal record, the sort that if purchased in 1985 might have been deemed a cult gem.

Neil Arnold

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