Review Summary: Rock on brotha man.
Heavy metal and heavy rock — both apply. Shreds plus simple beats equals one derivative formula. Some treat the word “derivative” as though it is cancer, but there is fun here instead. Specifically, music that adheres to Jorn type quality rockers — modern rock and roll with a tiger bite. The lead singer here has a nice classic rock voice, and armed with stellar guitar solos, their chops go chop-chop. The drum work can be quite same-y, but reinvention is not the key ingredient in the framework in the least.
Speaking of good ol’ days, the singing plus echoed vocals are very reminiscent of hair metal or Bon Jovi. These riffs may not be the heaviest or have the fullest presence (and often barely qualify as metal), but their basic style works. Tygers of Pan Tang aren’t attempting to be dark and scary tigers — rather, tigers you can safely observe at the zoo. It’s all about having fun. Some metalheads may be dismayed after a lack of absolute slappers, though the steady, melodic motif in the album is what’s up.
Repeated choruses are the game. Generic lyrics are good enough to be generically uplifting if done right, and it seems this band know their trade well. Throwback music with just enough riffs to keep the young folks active, and a great singer — sounds good? Yeah, it’s tight, no awkward moment presents itself. The listening experience is carefree, nostalgic, and rock solid.
I’ve heard albums like this before, and there lies the rub. This is a solid piece of rock/metal, but aside from the solos, the album is full of used ideas. It would’ve been okay if there were more interesting riffs or something,
something unique but alas, the band led me astray. I waited for the next great thing, only for the next mediocre occurrence to smack me in the face. As such, it is a lightly enjoyable album, but one that will undoubtedly not survive the test of time.
