Tyrann are yet another band I am late to the ballgame with. These Swedish headbangers have been all the rage amongst traditional metallists since the release of their 2021 debut full length, Djävulens musik. Both this album and its 2023 follow up, Besatt, were on my release radar, but for whatever reason or another (most likely the lack of time) never made it to these here virtual pages. As the old saying goes, “Third time’s the charm.”, or “Strike three, you’re out.”, depending on how you see it. I figured I’d finally give these Swedes a proper examination with the release of their third and latest full length, Tyrann Forever.
Like many in their scene as of late, Tyrann resort to a raw, stripped down brand of traditional metal reminiscent of what their country was cranking out circa 1982 in response to the NWOBHM. They don’t really capture the proto-power metal maneuvers of Swedish metal forefathers, Heavy Load, but they do embody the pure energy and spirit of the band, particularly circa 1982’s Death or Glory. Couple this with a riff-o-rama ethos reminiscent of Diamond Head, and you’ve got yourself the Tyrann formula. Of course, each song on here boasts its own quirks and nuances, which we will soon explore, but at Tyrann’s core, the riff always comes first.
The opening “Born for Hell” exemplifies this aesthetic to a T. More than half a century on, the power chord still reigns supreme. Its effectiveness lies in its simplicity, and when put in the hands of an act like Tyrann, lord knows what heavy metal possibilities lie ahead. The synth-laden title track injects the band’s orthodox sound with an air of melody and mysticism, coming off like a cross between Fire of Unknown Origin era Blue Öyster Cult and latter day melodic metal maestros, Haunt. Speaking of mysticism, I’m not sure anything could’ve prepared me for the blackened heavy metal incantation that is “Demonophobia”. Yes, you read that correctly. For this cut, the band incorporates throat-shredding rasps, tremolo riffing, and cryptic atmosphere into their trad metal sound, resulting in what could pass for a lost Death SS relic.
Shockingly, “Demonophobia” isn’t the only blackened moment on this album. The largely repetitive, anthemic “Kom Armageddon” quickly morphs from a straightforward, fist-pumper to a full fledged, trve black metal descent into hell, complete with blast beats. Such an unholy marriage must be heard to be believed. For those who prefer their metal on the traditional side, fear not. The remainder of the album lies largely on the aforementioned Heavy Load meets Diamond Head side, particularly “Allt Ska Brinna” and “Bathory I”. Those synths rear their neon-lit head again on the closing “Bathory II”, which brings the affair to a compelling, yet hypnotic close.
If Tyrann’s past output is as enthralling as this, I have a lot of homework to do. Though there’s nothing truly groundbreaking on this album, or even as refined as say their peers in Century, the organic charm of Tyrann Forever is enough in itself to appeal to likeminded maniacs who are sick and tired of the latest, Z-grade Enforcer clone who, for all purposes, could pass for AI. On that note, this heavy metal curmudgeon proclaims death to AI, death to false metal, and long live Tyrann. Actually, let me reword that: Tyrann Forever!
7 out of 10
Label: Electric Assault Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Heavy Load, Diamond Head, Axewitch
Funny you should mention Enforcer clones. Most of the members of Tyrann are ex-Enforcer!