Troyen - Finish what you started - 1981 - 2015 - Vulcan Records - Released 2015

Troyen

Finish what you started

1981 – 2015

Vulcan Records

Released 2015

Troyen – Newton Le Willows

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Troyen

Tracks 1-4 Engineered by Elliot Sam Caro Scullion, Tom Williams and Andy Ashton.

Produced by Greg Hay-Moulder and Troyen

Tracks 5-8 Engineered by Gil Norton and Produced by Gil Norton & Troyen 1981 and digitally enhanced at Elusive Studios 2014

Track 9 Produced by Troyen 1982 and digitally enhanced at Elusive Studios 2014

Sound Tech – Andy Forber

Genre: Rock

Masters of Rock - Troyen

Backlash

Feisty and furious the rhythms start pumping and immediately the body reacts accordingly. The essences of the track are nostalgic from one of the best eras in rock the - 1980’s. The busy tempos and tenacious rhythms flow with ease, and coupled with gritty vocal edge, provides a creative recipe for addictive grooving and soul by the bucket load.

Finish what you started

The bands title track is heaped with a recognizable swagger that boldly shapes it into an even more recognizable pattern. The bass is pro-active with its tremendous hooks and flirtatious rhythms, supporting the senses with a slower paced tempo that allows the listener to savor the moment nicely.

Syrian Lady

Is a real rebel rouser, with spiced riffs that contain an addictive energy with a melodic trace running through it in high pitched vibrancy and vocally strong. The song ebbs and flows in a mesmerizing fashion and very creative with powerful chords that show very flexible finger control.

First Blood

Again has memorable bass hooks and tumultuous riffs that simply compel and engage, with a rugged rhythm that captures a superb charm all its own. There is a slightly familiar Led Zep groove attached to this one, however it is one track that lingers with a flaming intervention and very busy right to the end of its muscular veins.

Dreams never lie

Packed full of soulful skill and prowess that forcibly captures the moment with ease. The tempos suddenly break free and go on a mad rampage. The emotive force behind the riffs are eager to attack and attack they do. The unpredictability of the track make it interesting and memorable.

Futures Friend

This one is a lot heavier than the previous tracks with pulsating and resonate riffs that vibrate to freakish levels. It fiercely stomps into the limelight and sweeps you from your feet in the process.

Don’t send me to war

The message sent here is pretty clear although said through very heavy chords and tortuous rhythms that twist and turn in such a way they simply confront the listener. The track seers and soars with deliberate incitement.

Crazy Lady

And what a crazy track it is as well.  The sweeping riffs highly antagonize and the groove gnaws consistently with foot tapping intervention. This is one busy track that is compelling and forthright and unarguably memorable.

Free Wheelin’

As the track suggests by its title it simply free wheels with a chugging powerful energy and explores its hippy side with an atmospheric lure. The band literally jump on the back of a superb melodically ambient rhythm that they themselves have created and exploited all avenues of its creation.

Summary:

The tracks on this album were all created to bring a thoroughly engaging experience to the listener, no doubt in my mind what so ever! The busy tracks are jam packed with a twisting energy and beautiful soulful rhythms that speak for themselves.

It is very hard to imagine that the band ever left the scene as these tracks are timeless and are still just as pleasurable today to experience as they were back in the 80’s.

In places the tempos are slow and deliberate and in others the band go completely off the scale and provide a heavy backdrop of chugging rhythms that engage all senses.

For me Troyen are without a doubt a ‘live’ experience to behold, as the album doesn’t do it the justice it deserves.

The intricate riffs and highly charged melodies are rife with emotion and hold a very creative examination of constantly gripping enticement, but they don’t have to try too hard to gain maximum impact and back to “Finish what they started!”

10/10

Tracks:

Backlash

Finish what you started

Syrian Lady

First Blood

Dreams never lie

Futures Friend

Don’t send me to war

Crazy Lady

Free Wheelin’

Members:

Karl Altdorfer – Bass

Jeff Baddley – Drums/Backing Vocals

Steve McGuire – Guitar/Vocals

Nick Mannion – Guitar

Tytan - Rough Justice - 12 Track Album Plus Bonus Track - Released 1985

Tytan

Rough Justice

12 Track Album

Plus bonus Track

Released 1985

Tytan – London

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/TytanOfficial

Genre: NWOBHM/Heavy Rock

Biography:

“Tytan are a British heavy metal band that formed at the height of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the autumn of 1981 by the former Angel Witch rhythm section, bassist Kevin Riddles and drummer Dave Dufort (ex-E. F. Band), Scottish vocalist Norman 'Kal' Swan, and guitarists Steve Gibbs and Stuart Adams. The latter left within months and was superseded by Gary Owens (ex-A II Z, Aurora) before Steve Mann (ex-Liar, Lionheart) settled in more permanently and now Executive Producer for the band.

NWOBHM Tytan

Signed to Kamaflage Records, a subsidiary of DJM, Tytan recorded their lone album at Ramport Studios in Battersea with Will Reid-Dick manning the boards. Former Judas Priest and Lionheart drummer Les Binks joined the band just in time for the recording in place of Dave Dufort. Jody Turner of Rock Goddess made a guest vocal appearance on the song 'Women on the Frontline.' Binks would be replaced by Tony Boden on the band's October 1982 UK tour with the Tygers of Pan Tang who was gone shortly thereafter, replaced by Simon Wright (ex-Tora Tora, A II Z, Aurora)! The band are currently writing a second follow up album to "Rough Justice" touring the UK and confirmed to appear at several European festivals in 2016!”

Blind Men & Fools

The vocals on this track are just tremendous and weaved alongside are some deep sonic rhythms that bristle with true heaviness. With a very catchy chorus and strong backing vocals this is one track that holds addictiveness by the bucket load! This is NWOBHM at its utter best!

Money for Love

This track has edge and attitude as well as the catchy grooves that inflame with sheer passion. Spiced up with the powerful vocal chords and compelling bass hooks it fires on all cylinders and really grabs the attention.

Women on the Frontline

The jangling rhythms are fiery and fierce.  It shows an outpouring of increasingly devilish riffs that holds a voraciously raw and intoxicating side with very poignant lyrics that are helped along by Jody Turner of Rock Goddess bringing out a very 80's feel.

Cold Bitch

Ever quickening rhythms and bold metal strides are glorious and triumphant – you can easily see why the band have adopted the name Tytan and for good reason! The addictive catchy chorus is ear consuming and forthright.

Ballad of Edward Case

Is played at a maddening pace with stinging guitars and simultaneously flexible drumming that make their mark and how. The sing a long further on in the track with its jangling keyboard notes really gives it a smile factor.

Rude Awakening

Is a rhythm that Kev says he nicked from rock gods Led Zeppelin’s track Kashmir, however they have molded it into a rhythmic agitation that is worthy of building on such a monumental track.

The Watcher

Explodes into a frantic drum beat and monstrous rhythms that grip the imagination with extensive creativity as the keyboard comes into play and ravishes with a sultry poignancy.

Far Cry

This track is deliciously intense and roars with vehemence while still being soft and gentle in places. The bouncing rhythms are hungry and will grab the attention providing a very unusual track.

Sadman

Is a very poignant track that gently ambles through its paces emerging as a beautiful ballad, however suddenly erupting into a powerful and creative groove it dictates heavy elements that simply stomp until returning to its elegant and humble beginning.

Forever Gone

Back to the more rumbustious element of raucous metal stabs and voracious beats it holds fiery essences that are again catchy and forthright.  The lure of bass and antagonizing riffs are never far away.

Don’t play their way

Holding a rampageous riff that is so sharp it simply shreds the ears along with a hard rock edge it fights its way through a melodic grazing and reaps big rewards.

Far side of Destiny

This opens with another poignant amble that suddenly explodes into a tirade now a Tytan trademark! The vocals and harmonies have reached utter perfection.

Reap the Whirlwind

Giving Kev the chance to show what he can do with his bass as the long drawn out hooks reverberate, harsh levels, taunting and teasing their way through the track. It is rather a seductive track with its own catchiness that weaves through a malevolent provocativeness.

Summary:

Taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane this album transports the listener back to the 80’s when NWOBHM was at its peak and enjoyed by millions around the globe.

Only recently seeing the band perform live at the highly acclaimed Snooty Fox in Wakefield, and seeing them perform most of the tracks on this album I can honestly say that personally I didn’t want the gig to end, because it didn't get more pleasurable than that!

Hearing the album conjures up some great moments of what was a truly memorable evening. Thanks to Kev’s banter with the audience it is plain as the nose on your face that Tytan are now bigger and bolder than they were in the 80’s and it is great to re-live these moments surrounded by the 21^st Century, although, I wish I could rewind the clock and re-visit the past as being part of something that was new and at its peak can never be forgotten.

The catchy melodies and chorus’ contained on this album are ripe for head banging moments and at the heart of what metal is about – total fulfillment!

I am just glad I was able to experience it back then just as I was to experience it in Wakefield.

But if you love NWOBHM and big riffs then this album is a must! It is totally timeless!

10/10

Tracks:

Blind Men & Fools

Money for Love

Women on the Frontline

Cold Bitch

Ballad of Edward Case

Rude Awakening

The Watcher

Far Cry

Sadman

Forever Gone

Don’t play their way

Far side of Destiny

Bonus Track

Reap the Whirlwind

Members:

Kevin Riddles – Bass (Ex Angel Witch)

Steve Gibbs – Guitar

Steve Mann – Guitar (Ex Lionheart)

Kal Swan – Vocals

Les Binks – Drums (Ex Judas Priest)

Siderian - Cancel your Future - 3 Track E.P - Released 18th September 2015

Siderian

Cancel your Future

3 Track E.P

Released 18^th September 2015

Siderian – Northamptonshire/Corby/Kettering

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Siderianband

Genre: Make up your own mind!

The raucous Siderian

Biography

“Siderian, are a relatively new five-piece metal band formed in March 2015 from the Northants area and feature ex-members of Wolves Hunting the Wicked, Black Ink Sun and Dead Girl in the Water. They have just released their debut E.P entitled "Cancel Your Future", recorded with Neil Hudson (Krysthla, ex-Gutworm) The band have swiftly put together a strong seven-song set to commence their assault on venues throughout the county and beyond!”

Hell of a Week

There is a musical hint of Doom and vocally much more Metal Core attached to this slice of genius. The slabs of rhythm hit like an express train with screeching vocal accompaniment to smash your head to. The textures of this mighty track are raw and agitated with vibrant hits of melodic groove.

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“The energy flows with an electric pulse of inflamed grooves and embraces them with eager vehemence!”

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Limb Efficiency

Some strong beats usher forth on the beginning of this track with a powerful vocal ensemble that follows in bristling form and on top of their game for sure! The rigorous outpourings are rife with infectious bait and excites all the way through the track, despite me writing the track down first calling it ‘Limb Deficiency’ although by the time you have listened your limbs are anything but efficient!

Reduced Aisle

Starting with a voracious rhythm and outstanding vocals, it just lifts you into imagining a mosh pit forming in your living room and you are at the centre of it. One highly addictive track that leaves all the senses bruised beyond recognition!

Summary

This is one fantastic E.P the only problem is, is that it doesn’t last long enough so it is a good job that there is a repeat button as it is going to get a lot of use when listening to this.

For me this is superb metal-core, sung and played to perfection and so easy to get absorbed into. There is no escaping its brutally warped imagination for sure!

The energy flows with an electric pulse of inflamed grooves and embraces them with eager vehemence!

10/10

Tracks:

Hell of a Week

Limb Deficiency

Reduced Aisle

Members:

Dave Pope - Vocals;

Kyle Ainsworth - Guitar;

Gaz Wayne Clipston - Guitar;

Mike Wilson - Drums

Piotr Lukasik - Bass

Desolate Pathway - Valley of the King - 8 Track Album - To be released 7th November 2014

Desolate Pathway

Valley of the King

8 Track Album

To be released 7^th November 2014

Desolate Pathway – London

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/desolatepathway

FLAC Album Credits:   Recorded at Sunlight Studios, Kent UK                            

Produced by Desolate Pathway                                           

Engineered at Brian J Anthony Studios, Catasaqua, PA,

Genre: Doom Metal

 Desolate Pathway

Biography:

“Desolate Pathway. A British Epic style Doom Metal band formed by former Pagan Altar guitarist Vince Hempstead. The band started from April 2014 in London and bring together classic influences from Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus and Sorcerer. In just one year of crafting music, Desolate Pathway have recorded a full length album, appeared on ifood TVs Metal cooking show Brutally Delicious, had numerous high scoring reviews around the globe, interviews and many gig offers .The Debut album 'Valley of the King' tells the epic tale of Prince Palidor and his rag tag army fighting their way to the Throne of Lights. It includes elements of fantasy and magic, whilst keeping true to the British tradition of heavy, riff based doom. Ideas taken from Epic Screen names such as Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and the Vikings series with a twist of dark elements to fit the heavy riffs and atmospheric phrases on the album. In 2015 an EP and 2nd album is planned for release with a concept based on Greek mythology. Desolate Pathway are simply a band that tells a good story with clean, powerful vocals taking you to a place of fantasy and adventure!” www.desolatepathway.com

The Valley of the Kings.

There are a healthy dose of aggression on this the opening title track of this album that suddenly merges into a dark phase of sultry rolling rhythms. It has its own path that veers off the beaten track and not the usual doom route it takes either.  The vocals are clean, urgent and loaded with quite a progressive stance which makes this quite a quirky track, and very unexpected.

Desolate Pathway.

Has ‘Sabbathesque’ qualities and is more in keeping with its doom genre. It embraces a very sombre stride and captures a very dramatic and dark element empowered with rich vocals.

Forest of Mirrors.

This track sits nestled comfortably in its doom genre and possesses a great catchy vibrant rhythm that is backed up with a great collection of eerie sound effects that make this a very interesting and pleasing track indeed.

Last of my Kind.

With a growl and strange effects the track opens with some solid bass, sharp frets and tempered drum beats, so let the fantasy adventure begin...

Season of the Witch.

The cackle of what sounds like either a wicked witch or a witch just having fun either way this track is a lot bouncier than the previous one and whips up a storm of enticing rhythms.

King of Vultures.

Holds a very deep and resonating rhythm that spells out darkness and attitude, although it is not a strong track it does have a very interesting and distinct haul of dramatic emotions attached to it.

Shadow of the Tormentor.

From the off this track possesses a heavy quality that shouts and screams metal be it in the doom zone, however, the winding melodies are quite intense with an urgent appeal.

Upon the throne of lights

With some stirring endeavour this track soars with infused grooves and wicked riffs that taunt and tease in a seductive stance.

Summary:

Doom with a difference! The tracks although sounding quite similar to each other does possess slices of unusual effects and not all slow and dawdling as some doom metal tends to be.

Black Sabbath would be proud to cover these tracks I think, as there is plenty of inspiration and fire that surrounds them.

I think Desolate Pathway have done their genre proud and perhaps opened a few more doors as they have veered off slightly and added in some great sound effects that really capture what the tracks are about.

In some instances the tracks bounce with a certain pride that says “We are not all doom and gloom, we are just slightly different to what is considered the norm!” and not forgetting Mags on the drums who does an amazing job on this album.

8.5/10

Track List:

The Valley of the Kings.

Desolate Pathway.

Forest of Mirrors.

Last of my Kind.

Season of the Witch.

King of Vultures.

Shadow of the Tormentor.

Upon the throne of lights.

Members:

Vince Hempstead: Vocals/Guitars

Jim Rumsey: Bass

Mags: Drums

Tytan, Troyen and Electric Viper - Classic NWOBHM - The Snooty Fox - 24.10.15

Tytan, Troyen & Electric Viper

Classic NWOBHM

The Snooty Fox

24.10.15

 Sound by Malcolm Shipman

Electric Viper – Derby

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/ElectricViperBand

Genre: Heavy Rock/Heavy Metal

I think I finally know where Phil Mitchell is hiding out... he was at the Snooty Fox last night playing guitar doing a gig, but looked just as miserable as he does on EastEnders!

Phil Mitchell gigging at the Snooty Fox under the name of Ady

From the off Electric Viper looked quite awkward on stage and apart from the vocalist none of the other members seemed to be enjoying themselves.  With very little banter and audience participation the gig fell a little flat.

 Electric Viper

 Al

 Dave

 Electric Viper

Dave

The singing was sometimes off kilter and sounded rushed, like they just wanted the gig to be over with and Al’s jerky movements on stage seemed quite uncoordinated.

Saying this however, the final song they sung ‘Dance with the Devil’ was by far the best track the band played all evening, with catchy rhythms and excellent vocals, but sadly it came too little too late.

If the band had started with that track no doubt I think it would have sparked ‘some’ interest but on the whole the gig lacked lustre and wasn’t helped by the fact the other band members stood motionless, looking at their feet and didn’t seem to want to participate made a lot of people feel very uncomfortable watching.

For me I could have listened to ‘Dance with the Devil’ throughout their entire set as it was one catchy and superbly written track with plenty of enthusiasm and bite! Definitely addictive, so check out the video at 10:12.

I wasn’t sure of Al’s attire either, as he did not portray a vocalist in a rock/metal band and looked as if his leanings were more towards ‘glam metal’ and when they played “For whom the Bell Tolls’ Al quickly threw on a Sergeant’s jacket, and although done as a tribute for the track, wasn’t really necessary.

The bass and backing vocals from Dave were spot on, drumming from Rich was relentless and powerful, and the riffs by Ady also hit a spot despite the glum faces.

Electric Viper really need to up their game at bit by engaging more with the crowd, they need to stop rushing the vocals, decide which genre they are aiming for, maybe dress appropriately, introduce the tracks (and the bands name) for them to truly hit the mark, otherwise they will just become ‘Grass Snake’

Members:

Al - Vocals

Ady - Guitar

Dave - Bass

Rich – Drums

~~~~~~

Troyen – Newton Le Willows

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Troyen

Genre: NWOBHM

A night of nostalgia and not just for the crowd but also the band as Troyen hit the homely Snooty stage. There was no escaping the tight riffs and mesmerising melodies as the band forged an unbreakable bond once more leaving everyone open mouthed at the busy rhythms that came crashing down around your ears.

It is quite shocking to imagine that Troyen haven’t played together for 32 years and this was only their 5^th gig since getting back together, and yet it was like they had never been away from their instruments.

 Troyen

 Karl

 Nick

 Steve

Troyen

Having toured with Budgie and Nightwish for 6 weeks back in 1982 it was clear to see that Troyen are professionals and engaged on a high octane level and brought their finely tuned art to the confines of the Snooty Fox stage with vigor and intricate melodies.

It would have been frustrating not being able to move as the music had command over the senses and each beat was controlled to perfection.  Heads and feet were tapping insanely and with good cause!

The music was all seducing and unrestrained to the point of being insanely potent!

Troyen from 1981 with Crazy Lady

The melodies were kick ass superb and highly enjoyable to watch – Troyen are back and it is like they never left!

Members:

Steve McGuire - Lead Guitar/Vocals

Nick Mannion (Cookson) - Lead Guitar/Vocals

Jeff Baddley – Drums/Backing Vocals,

Karl Altdorfer - Bass

~~~~~~

Tytan - London

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/TytanOfficial

Genre: NWOBHM

And now for the real reason that I was at the Snooty Fox last night! Back in the 1980’s when NWOBHM was at its peak, I was attending a Motorhead Gig at the Royal Court venue, whereby Rock Goddess were support act and down in the bar there was a guy who instantly made friends with everyone and he wasn’t even playing!

He called me the Pulseless one for good reason! (Nobody could find it and even today the hospital has trouble locating it for whatever reason!)

Kev was a roadie for Rock Goddess at the time and took time out to speak to people and engage in witty banter back in the day. I never ever forgot him and when I found him on Facebook naturally sent a friend request which he accepted and we have been communicating just as old friends do ever since. The fact he even recognised me after 30 or so years was quite humbling indeed!

This guy is Kev ‘Skidz’ Riddles formerly of the superb Angel Witch and now with Tytan. It was just too good an opportunity to miss seeing this giant perform on stage.

Now married to the lovely Jules they make a superb team, so it was just fitting to be there and offer support to a leading legend!

Kev’s face was a picture when I strolled across the Snooty car park as he was lighting up a ciggie! He took a double take and then bellowed “Bloody hell! Good to see you again! In his warm southern accent with a smile as wide as the forth bridge sweeping over his face and of course the obligatory hugs followed.

Suzi Behl appeared and then disappeared little did I know she had gone inside to inform Jules that I was here and soon Jules was outside in the rain with hugs a plenty.

 Tytan

 Tom

 Dave

 Skidz

 Tom

 Skidz

 Dave

 Skidz

 Skidz

Dave

It was a very poignant meeting and thanks to Graham I was able to be there and wallow in the nostalgia.

The 80’s for me hold more memories than any decade. The bands were loud, proud and always gigging. There was hardly a month went by where I wasn’t attending a gig and you could actually meet the bands back then, with little or no fuss, so after gigs plenty of people came away with more than just memories of an excellent gig but had autographs to add as well.

To this day I still have Skidz autograph and it takes pride and place in my photograph album and has done for the past 30 odd years.

After the initial shock had worn off it was a while before Tytan graced the stage but Graham and I sat tight and waited patiently in between buying T Shirts, patches and Cd's.

When the band hit the stage I was already up and at the front by the barrier frantically taking photographs – it was just one of those moments where to not join in would have been sacrilege.

The atmosphere was intense, nearly everyone stood up and engaged with the band as they started their first track.

It was a real trip down memory lane but in the 21^st Century! And seeing Kev on stage was wildly exciting! To say the very least. He hasn’t changed a bit!

Needless to say the ‘Skidz’ banter was rife with the crowd joining in, in between tracks. The music flowed in generous proportions with a stirring injection of rhythms that were energetic and reflective of an 80’s era.

The tracks were creative, emotional and hugely satisfying, especially the tracks ‘Blind Man and Fools’ and ‘Rude Awakening’

Tytan's full album - Rough Justice

Sad to say though that poor Tom was not well at all and so the band did not do an encore and finished around 11pm, but we all wish Tom a speedy recovery and hope to see Tytan once again in all their glory.

Proud to wear my Tytan T Shirt! And thanks for adding to my memories which are my most treasured possessions!

Members:

Kevin Riddles - Bass & Vocals

Tom Barna - Vocals & Guitars

Andy Thompson - Keyboards

Dave Strange - Guitar

James Wise - Drums

Steve Mann - remains as Executive Producer for Tytan

Ibon Bilbao Dep Guitar

**********

Special thanks to my Oggy for getting us there in one piece despite the rain and spoiling me as usual. Kev Riddles for the mentions on stage and for being so awesome! Jules and Suzi for their welcomed reception at the Snooty, Malcolm Shipman for the terrific sound and great hospitality as always and for the offer of being on the bus! (Appreciated muchly maybe next time!) And to the bands Electric Viper, Troyen and of course the almighty Tytan thank you for a great night’s entertainment! Here’s to the next one! Get well Tom!!

 Me, Jules, Kev and Suzi
Photo courtesy of Graham Lee