Here we are at Ivory Blacks, amid a sea of denim cut-offs and more band patches than I’ve seen in a long while, for a night of old-school metal billed as Tytan’s NWOBHM Night. Kicking things off tonight are local boys Tantrum, who kindly stepped in after Elixir had to pull out.
The guitars kick in as the boys launch into “The Tyrant” from 2018’s Melt It Down—a killer start, with the band in full flow. Mark takes the older material to a much stronger place vocally. Crowd favourite “Valhalla” is in the set tonight, its thumping drums and bass locking in with crunching guitars, all topped off by Mark’s soaring vocals—tremendous stuff. The rest of the set comes from last year’s excellent No Place for the Damned, featuring the pounding rocker “Hellbound Planet” and the riff-laden “The Judge.”
The pace stays relentless with the fast and furious “Minotaur,” which nods heavily to German rockers Axxis—probably my favourite of the night for that reason. Mark Riches is a beast on drums, laying into “The Darkest of Times,” driven by bassist Liam, while the twin guitars of Chris and Baz create a flowing Axxis/Helloween-esque energy—at least for this reviewer. The boys close their short but tremendous set with the thumping rocker “W.A.I.L.” They just get better every time I see them. Mark on vocals was an inspired choice, hitting both high and low notes effortlessly. I’ve followed this band since 2016 through all their lineup changes, and they’re at their strongest yet. Catch them live—no excuses, especially with Tytan at Bannermans, Edinburgh, on March 1st.
Up next, straight from the ’80s, we have the fabulous Spartan Warrior. The guitars kick in, and we become “Easy Prey” from Steel N’ Chains (1983). It’s clear David and the boys mean business. With a huge grin, David prowls the stage, his voice as strong as ever, wielding the mic stand like an extension of his arms. Dan and Neil kill it on guitar, James batters the drums, and bassist Tim is clearly loving it. What a start! The denim-clad hordes respond wildly.
We get two more from the same album: the slow, pounding thumper “Hell Hath No Mercy” and the killer riffage of “Cold Hearted.” It’s always great hearing these classics alive and well in the 21st century, played by a band having a blast on stage with plenty of crowd interaction. The boys give us a taste of 2018’s Hell to Pay, starting with the fiery “Bad Attitude,” followed by the fast-paced title track, its killer drums fuelling headbanging and fist-pumping. The crushing “Fallen” takes a darker turn, with heavy riffs, killer solos, and deep basslines from Tim. David’s haunting vocals occasionally channel Blaze Bayley—quality stuff.
We only get one track from Behind Closed Eyes (2010), but it’s stunning: the powerhouse that is “Never Take Me Alive.” Twin guitar riffs hypnotize, making this possibly my favourite of the night—absolutely killer. The thumping bass and guitar intro herald the majestic slow-burner “Assassin” (Spartan Warrior, 1984). They close a stunning set with the soaring, old-school brilliance of “Mercenary”—a thumping, classic way to end.
This was a band having the time of their lives on stage, feeding off the crowd. David’s vocals were spot on, and the band played a blinder. Catch these guys live—they’re always great, but tonight felt extra special.
If you like what we do, consider ing us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!
Now for a band I’ve seen countless times since their inception in the early ’80s — Tytan. They never disappoint, and tonight, I finally get to see what new singer Mark Hale brings to the table.
The band hits the stage to a hero’s roar, rightly so, as they kick off with a double-barrel blast from 2004’s Rough Justice. First up is the bouncy “Money for Love,” with Andy’s keyboards leading into a smooth guitar intro before Mark opens up—what a voice! Mark Walker holds the rhythm steady, while the legendary Kevin Riddles hammers his bass with a Cheshire-cat grin. What a start! Then we fire full steam ahead into “Cold Bitch,” a solid, fast-paced rocker and personal favourite.
Next up, “Fight the Fight,” the only track tonight from 2016’s Justice: Served!—a slow, building drum intro leading to crunching guitars and pounding bass before Mark urges us to “Fight the Fight.” Just a crushing piece of heavy metal—fabulous.
“Don’t Play Their Way” follows, its guitar work hinting at early Girlschool. A cruising rocker, it sweeps us along, heads banging all around me. A real crowd favourite, complete with tasty guitars and drums.
Special guest Marta Gabriel (Crystal Viper) s for “Women on the Frontline,” sharing vocals with Mark, and wow—she can sing. A bouncing, powerful song with a huge riff and twin vocal attack, possibly the best I’ve heard it live.
The soaring “Far Side of Destiny” leads us into “The Watcher,” a proper NWOBHM track with pounding drums and towering guitar riffs. The band closes out a stunning set with the absolute rocket ride that is “The Ballad of Edward Case”—always reminds me a little of Angel Witch, a pure rock masterpiece.
Catch them live! As mentioned before, they’re back at Bannermans on March 1st. Tytan keeps getting better. A touching moment comes as Kevin gives a well-deserved shoutout to his wife, Julie, for all her hard work organizing these gigs—an incredible woman and the driving force behind the band. Always a pleasure to chat with her.
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Finally, a band who haven’t been here in a very long time—Saracen. They bounce onto stage like long-lost heroes. I’ve spoken to several people tonight who came just to see them—it’s been 40 years since their last Glasgow show, and this is long overdue.
The lineup has been solid since 2008, last recording Redemption, with Rob Bendelow stepping back from live performances.
They open with the classic “Crusader,” a soaring anthem from Heroes, Saints and Fools (1981). I swear I see grown men cry as Steve’s voice soars—it’s pure magic. Paul Bradder kills it on keyboards, Simon Roberts shreds on guitar, Paul Highfield locks in on bass, and Tris Alsbury pounds away at the rear. What an opener!
The guitars gallop as they launch into “Rock of Ages,” the crowd chanting “Rock, rock, rock!” at full volume. Paul’s keys are out of this world, and the crowd hangs onto every syllable from Steve.
Crashing drums, haunting keyboards, and a pounding bass herald the arrival of “Horsemen of the Apocalypse”—swirling keys, soaring vocals, and massive guitar riffs take us to another realm. Being here among the denim-clad NWOBHM faithful, witnessing this live, is special.
They launch into the title track of Heroes, Saints and Fools, an almost eight-minute slab of pure genius. The crowd is lost in raised voices, and I’m reminded that there are epic songs… and then there are EPIC songs. The keyboards lift us, Steve’s voice wraps around us, and Tris and Paul’s rock-solid rhythm section creates the perfect foundation. Simon’s guitar soars—it’s sublime in its simplicity.
Sadly, the set is cut short due to curfew, leaving the crowd audibly frustrated. I can’t overstate how magical this performance was—for myself and for everyone here. Saracen, please come back for a full headline set—we will be there.
I knew tonight would be great, but I’m blown away. This was one of those “you had to be there” nights. As someone who lived through NWOBHM’s birth, it’s heart-warming to see these bands still thriving. I head back to the station, grinning, humming tunes from tonight’s sweaty, joyous metal celebration.
Julie, you’re a magician for putting this together—let’s have more of the same!
Photos by Gary Cooper
