Search - Tytan :: Rough Justice (Ult)

Correction to editorial plus more comments

NWOBHM_fan | 08/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The above editorial incorrectly states that this album features Kevin Heybourne, ex-Angel Witch. Actually this band (correct spelling "Tytan") features the other two members of Angel Witch at the time, Kevin Riddles (bass and keyboards) and Dave Dufort (drums on "Loser" EP). Kal Swan, later to be heard with Lion and Bad Moon Rising, is on lead vocals with his very fluid melodic voice (anyone who has seen the Transformers movie, that familiar theme song was performed by Lion and sung by Kal Swan). This album has a number of other guest stars including Dave Harrison of Dark Star ("Lady Of Mars"), Les Binks of Judas Priest, and on backing vocals the band Rock Goddess. The sound is similar to the debut Angel Witch album but more pop in song structure and melody; the only other album I can off the top of my head compare this to would be Saracen's "Change Of Heart" except that this album is a bit darker. Some similarity also exists with the lighter Angel Witch songs on the two Killerwatt records, such as "Dream World" and "She Don't Lie" but again, Tytan is nowhere near as dark or heavy."

Re-reissued NWOBHM gem featuring Kal Swan

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 10/26/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Man, when you see cover artwork like the one that adorns Tytan's 1985 album Rough Justice, you just know you're in for some serious heavy metal action (or you've mistakenly bought a Molly Hatchet album). Well, Tytan was definitely a metal band; part of the legendary New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement to be exact. The band featured former members of noted NWOBHM acts Angel Witch, Dark Star, and Judas Priest, as well as newcomer Kal Swan on vocals.



Rough Justice was a very heavy, yet very melodic heavy metal album, similar in nature to albums by Angel Witch, White Spirit, Diamond Head, and some of the scene's other more melodic acts. It's fast-paced, hard charging heavy metal, but Kal Swan's powerful vocal performance reinforced the melodic aspect of the music. The album didn't come out until relatively late in the game, but it is still an important part of the NWOBHM legacy. Unfortunately, it would prove to be the band's sole release. Swan would go on to form Lion and later Bad Moon Rising.



NOTE: The 2004 Majestic reissue of Rough Justice features digitally remastered sound. As usual, Majestic does a fantastic job bringing the sound quality of these recordings up to today's standards.



NOTE 2: In another flagrant case of double-dipping, Majestic re-reissued Rough Justice again in 2006, this time adding bonus BBC sessions and a live DVD. It's good news for those of you who haven't already purchased the album, but those who bought the 2004 reissue can't be too happy about that development.

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