Hold Back the Lightning

…With one of the crappiest production ever. Raising the NWOBHM flag as banner, Tyrant is really an excellent band; very good melodies, thin high-pitch toned guitars, maybe a bit too much of a dramatic atmosphere, powerful solid drums, catchy music and very memorable Def Leppard like vocals (although not that high-pitched and scratchier).

Tyrant’s music is quite simple in essence: First, the trotting “Hold back the lightning” comes in with a simple riff that guides you fast to the chorus section, where the strength of Tyrant lies; melodic, gloomy and catchy melodies. These will evolve through guitar leads, and slightly different, yet related vocal lines. And it works to perfection, because it will make you forget the fuzzy, muffled, shaky sound of the single, and let you enjoy. The absence of solos is the only element I feel is strangely missing. Nevertheless, the result is a song that works really well and won’t disappoint you.

The second and best song of the single, “Eyes of a Stranger”, has an even more melancholic/tragic tone and atmosphere. With a louder, and not that shaky production, every element of the music is recognized much easier with an overall sound that is sharper than in the first song. Even though, the backing vocals after the chorus are buried in the mix, and are barely audible, so the production is still the bottleneck of this band. As a novelty, this time there is a short solo, not very showy, but it’s a good addition. Apart from that, melodies have a better quality and some of the leads are really beautiful and catchy, otherwise, the formula is the same one used in the previous song; a simple riff and vocal lines guiding the song with lead guitars that complement them. Good work guys.

In conclusion, those who enjoy the not so heavy NWOBHM, or Def Leppard’s first efforts shouldn’t miss this band.