TYGERS OF PAN TANG – Electrifyed

Tygers of Pan Tang, a band with a history deeply rooted in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), are roaring back into the fold with their fourteenth studio album, Electrifyed. The album will be released through Mighty Music on September 11, 2026. As the follow-up to Bloodlines (2023), the goal for Electrifyed was to go in a heavier direction without losing the band’s gift for melody. According to the press release, the album drew inspiration from the rawness of the band’s NWOBHM years, specifically their debut album, Wild Cat (1980), but with an updated twist, highlighting the band’s current lineup. Electrifyed was produced by the band alongside Marco Angioni, and the striking album cover was designed by Andy Pilkington of Very Metal Art. For the most part, Tygers of Pan Tang have banging album covers, but the run of album covers since Animal Instinct (2008), including the 2024 reissue cover, has been fantastic. Then again, anything looks cool with a ferocious tiger, right? The lineup that plays on Electrifyed includes founding member Robb Weir on guitars, Craig Ellis on drums, Meille on lead vocals, Huw Holding on bass guitar, and newest member John Foottit on guitars.

A Band That Still Enjoys What They Do

“Rise Up!” is an excellent album opener with blazing riffs, a driving beat, lots of adrenaline, and a positive message about rising up to the challenge. Also, the thunderous drum intro from the 0:34 to 0:44 second mark is killer! “The Powers That Be” has a thick, driving bass line, some sizzling hi-hat work, and a blistering guitar solo. It’s got a “cruising down the highway” type of vibe. Not the type of cruising that makes listeners fall asleep; the type of cruising where it’s necessary to blast the music at maximum volume! The title track has a spoken intro that doesn’t necessarily present America in the friendliest way, but considering its current political state, that’s understandable. All while that is going on, there’s a razor-blade guitar riff hinting at what’s to come. The last line in the spoken intro says it all: “May the Lord have mercy on your soul.” The instrumentation is heavy, yet it’s melodic and digestible. Fittingly, the song ends with the sound of electricity as if time is running out.

“The Nail” is a slow headbanger for the most part, with so much attitude and swagger. It’s moody and suspenseful, like an evil force is lurking over listeners, sending chills down their spines. Plus, there’s a smoking guitar intro from the 0:27 to the 0:42 mark. “Dark Skies” has an intricate, evil-sounding riff that resembles AC/DC’s “Hail Caesar.” Weird comparison, but everyone hears things differently. The song can be interpreted as being about inner demons. When Meille repeatedly sings, “it’s all in my head,” he’s mentally incapacitated and losing touch with reality. “Dark skies, set me free” is literally a cry for help. The album closer, “Revenge Is Sweet,” is the most light-hearted and fun song on the album. It’s part tongue-in-cheek, yet part dead serious because sometimes revenge is necessary. At least that’s what Korean dramas like to emphasize repeatedly. There is a fade-out at the 4:26 mark, but at the 4:46 mark, the song closes with a brief instrumental.

Final Assessment

Electrifyed lives up to its name with electrifying guitar riffs, outstanding vocals, memorable songs, killer production, and again, a striking album cover. The spelling of “electrified” is weird, but it works, and it’s not as bad as Def Leppard’s “U Rok Mi.” Also, not sure how much credit Meille gets as a vocalist, but what a terrific singer he is! With his clean-cut vocals, he’s the reason for the band’s commercial edge, at least for the current lineup. Electrifyed sounds like a modern heavy metal record from a band that’s been around for decades, which is basically what Tygers of Pan Tang are. Not too raw and not too polished, allowing everyone to shine. For those who are interested in banging heavy metal from a band that still enjoys what they do, check out Tygers of Pan Tang’s Electrifyed!

Album Tracklist

1. Rise Up!
2. Forevermore
3. The Powers That Be
4. Dark Divinity
5. Electrifyed
6. A Shadow on Fire
7. The Nail
8. The Fight Goes On
9. Dark Skies
10. Revenge Is Sweet

Band Lineup

Robb Weir – guitars
Craig Ellis – drums
Jack Meille – lead vocals
Huw Holding – bass guitar
John Foottit – guitars

Check out the music video for “Rise Up!” from Tygers of Pan Tang’s Electrifyed album!