TYRAN - Tyran's Oath (Review)

Written by: Blackie Skulless

Given the hype that’s been circulating around Tyran in the realm of traditional metal dweebs like myself, I was certainly eager to check them out. The appealing album artwork spurred that on even more, making me want to lend an ear immediately. Not to be confused with Iran’s capital city Tehran, the Bavarian dudes have only been around for a few years, and 2024 would see the year they drop a full-length. Following two singles, it realized itself in the form of Tyran’s Oath. 

At first glance, you’ll find exactly what one would expect. Speed metal riffing, high falsettos in the realm of King Diamond, and a generally clean overlay can easily sum up the entire album in the most basic sense. What’s less obvious is that most of the record avoids the mythical, magical, or historical angle you may anticipate, and prefers to focus on classic ‘80s strong-man themes around heavy metal and machinery. Stylistically, it’s also straight to the point without any hints of power metal or epic metal flavoring. Most changes in any dynamic are as simple as some songs slowing it down a little, like in “Thrill Of The Chase,” a melody-heavy tune.

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While I can appreciate this idea, I can’t help but feel a bit underwhelmed. Nothing on Tyran’s Oath is remotely what I would call bad, but the execution made it easier to describe what it isn’t than what it is. The lead guitarist certainly has an ear for talent, with “Fists Of Iron” in particular having a nice sweeping solo. The drums hit hard, the vocalist has a strong voice, and everyone does what they do well. But I struggled to find any tracks that stand out on their own even after several listens (save for “Thrill”), finding it to be lacking in hooky writing or elaboration on an otherwise great style.
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Does this mean every band has to reinvent the wheel? Absolutely not, I like as many Savatage and Kreator re-hashes as much as the next guy. But I typically need at least something to retain my attention, and I think identity is the one thing Tyran is missing. Perhaps part of this was me going in with high expectations, but also, some things stick and some things don’t. Fans that like the more basic outputs of early Saxon or Manowar may still find something worthwhile.

Tyran - Tyran's Oath was released April 15th, 2024 via Iron Shield Records. Find it here!

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Tyran can be found:
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