TYGERS OF PAN TANG

Ritual MIGHTY MUSIC

NWOBHM mainstays rediscover their classic touch

While 1982’s The Cage

remains Tygers Of Pan Tang’s classiest album, their latest follows in that tradition. Ritual isn’t quite in the same league as that NWOBHM masterwork, but it gets close enough to convince that the Tygers are still making relevant new music. Vocalist Jacopo Meille, a 15-year veteran in the line-up, continues to develop his considerable skills, bringing an extra dimension to Spoils Of War and Worlds Apart. The guitar interchanges between founder member Robb

Weir and Micky Crystal are reminiscent of Judas Priest, especially on White Lines and Love Will Find A Way. The songs range from full fury to more laidback moments. There’s even an epic, in the form of the soaring Sail On. Ritual shows this band still have claws. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Diamond Head, Helloween, Saxon MALCOLM DOME