Review by Michael on October 11, 2026.

Three years after "Bloodlines", the British Tygers are back in town. Not only with a new album but also with a new guitarist, John Footit, who replaces Francesco Marras, who left the band last year. Apart from that, not too much has changed in the country of Pan Tang (which is an island nation in Michael Moorcock's Elric books, in case you didn't know).

Kicking off with the fast and rocking opener "Rise Up!", which once again showcases Jack Meille's vocal skills, it's business as usual. It's a good start to "Electrified" and certainly works as an appetiser to keep you listening to the rest. "The Powers That Be" is another fast, heavy metal stomper, featuring some bluesier but also quite aggressive vocals. The refrain is mega-catchy, the guitar solos cut like a knife, and the result is a great mood-booster in these fucked-up times.

It becomes quite obvious that Jack Meille is a key part of the band when you check out slower songs such as "Dark Divinity". First of all, his vocal range here is superb, but so are his clarity and timing. These are the qualities that make a great heavy metal vocalist, and apart from the fact that I've often talked to him and might be losing my neutrality a little, I'd say he's one of the top-notch vocalists in the scene. Apart from Dave Mustaine, of course.

The title track, with its intro about the death penalty, feels even more relevant these days, considering the recent, terribly botched execution of Christa Pike. This one relies on some more repetitive passages but also features a cool melodic bridge. At times, the song even ventures into heavier territory than the Tygers usually explore, which is remarkable.

And, of course, we find the typical '70s and '80s vibes on "Electrified" that are characteristic of all Tygers Of Pan Tang albums. "Forevermore" has some dramatic touches that could easily have featured on an '80s Judas Priest album, while "A Shadow Of Fire" and "The Nail" are steeped in Black Sabbath atmosphere. "The Nail" in particular sounds like a doom metal song, with a basic riff quite similar to "Heaven And Hell". As the song progresses, the band gradually increases the speed and incorporates some dramatic riffs, turning it into one of the album's highlights.

A stark contrast to these heavy songs is "The Fight Goes On". It sounds quite light, cheerful, and almost like a pop song. Okay, the bridge is peppered with guitars, but at times, the track comes across as rather soft. On the other hand, I'd say Alice Cooper has laid his influential hands on this composition, so perhaps my criticism sounds harsher than it should.

Coming to the production, the band has never delivered a bad one, and this album is no exception. It's a vivid and powerful recording with a saturated, dynamic sound. Thumbs up for that!

If you liked the previous Tygers Of Pan Tang albums, you'll be absolutely happy with this new, 14th studio album by the band.

Rating: 8.3 out of 10