Deliverance

Tyga Myra formed at the tail end of the NWOBHM movement – an odd time where hit records like Tytan’s ‘Rough Justice’ and Blind Fury’s ‘Out of Reach’ (masterworks of the definitive style) were giving way to aggressive records from Raven, and the speed metal assault of Avenger. While the mid tempo approach, and focus on melodies was still important, an unconquerable shift in momentum was occurring that started to result in the first thrash and speed metal bands – and eventual killing off of the true NWOBHM sound. Bands veered off onto one of several paths: The AOR path of Praying Mantis, Hellanbach, The extremisms of Venom and Warfare, which would spawn the death and black metal scenes, The thrash/speed metal path laid down by the riffage and aggression of Blitzkrieg, Iron Maiden and Savage, or even the glam metal path of Wrathchild. Evident in this only release from Tyga Myra is a band taking influence from the latter straightforward sound of NWOBHM acts like Tytan, Chariot and mixing it up with the newer aggressiveness of Grim Reaper, and the emerging speed metal sound evident in bands like Avenger. It’s a pretty good, but at times this record seems to lack refinement and inventiveness.

‘Right Through the Night’ is half Tytan NWOBHM heavy hitter, half US Glam metal anthem a la Keel at this time. While the vocalisms are catchy – Mike Jurgens shows some weakness when trying to deliver consistently at higher pitches; his voice falters a bit – which isn’t uncommon – and isn’t really a big deal, being common with many NWOBHM singers. Anyway, the often mid paced heavy approach that the band takes is well catered for in the mixing; very low bass and clear enough drums are done fairly well here, but overall there’s a lot of thinness to the mix. The aggressive number ‘Never Givin’ Up’ is much the same – but benefits from a bit more balls. A tough gang vocal device mated to Jurgens snarly main vocal are the centerpiece. The mid pace of this one is made more acceptable by some great guitar leads (which you can barely hear due to a crap job on the recording which drowns them out in favour of snares and muffled bass). Jurgen also reveals a bit of his Eurones coming through in the accented vocals. A cool chorus riff and tough vocal chant are the highlights.

On to pacier attacks – the speed metal effort ‘End of It All’ has some promise, but is hindered by a ‘thin’ sound and lack of refined touches. Some dynamic studio touches, additional vocal layers, and a crisper sound on guitar leads would have befitted, and as a result it, along with the rest of the album – sounds suited to demo quality. The coolness of the dark riffs and simple doomy lyrics and detracted from by the flat production; which is a real shame. ‘Ain’t Got Long to Go’ another fast paced shredder we evidence some fine blending of the two mentioned influences. ‘Dead Zone’ is another thrashy great. Excellent riffage, galloping pace, additional production touches, Iron Maidenisms, soaring vocals – the lot. Definitely a highlight – along with the thrilling emotional cut ‘Rodeo’. In these faster numbers Tyga Myra is at their best – creating classic thrash riffage and bearing some similitude to early Iron Maiden.

Altogether this is an enjoyable speed metal release, however it is brought down by a bit of un-inventiveness and lame production. A bit of input from the right producer could’ve seen this one become a classic, yet it isn’t without its charm. For comparisons I’d say these guys sound a lot like fellow British speed metallers Tröjan, with likenesses to Iron Maiden and juggernauts Avenger. Defintely a strong release – this one has classic riffage and some real gems in tracks like ‘Rodeo’ and ‘Ain’t Got Long to Go’. A few more good extra touches, like the satanic intro to the thundering speed metal opener ‘Deliverance’ would’ve definitely shifted this one up to the top shelf – but it’s not too far from there as it is. Definitely a recommended release if you like the aforementioned bands. Some destructive, violent imagery and and real heaviness on this offering.

-DeathRiderDoom