- Promotion Only Release
Experience the untamed energy of TYGERS OF PAN TANG's debut album 'Wild Cat PROMO' on this iconic NWOBHM 12" vinyl LP. Released in 1980, the album showcases the band's raw power and distinctive sound, making it a must-have for any rock enthusiast. The captivating album cover hints at the wild ride of electric guitar riffs and hard-hitting melodies contained within.
The Tygers of Pan Tang were a vital force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), an electrifying movement that exploded in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their 1980 album, 'Wild Cat', is a ferocious testament to their power and a defining moment in the NWOBHM era.
Untamed Energy
'Wild Cat' bursts with untamed energy, a sonic assault driven by the band's relentless pace and searing twin-guitar attack. Frontman Jess Cox's vocals are raw and impassioned, his lyrics painting vivid pictures of rebellion and untamed spirit. Songs like the title track, "Euthanasia", and "Killers" are NWOBHM anthems, brimming with memorable riffs and adrenaline-pumping intensity.
The album's iconic cover is a striking visual metaphor for the feral music within. A close-up painting of a snarling tiger with blood-stained teeth, it speaks of primal power and the danger that lurks beneath the surface, perfectly mirroring the sonic experience of the record.
Exploring New Frontiers
While 'Wild Cat' firmly establishes the Tygers of Pan Tang as masters of pure heavy metal aggression, the album also reveals a band eager to explore musical territory. Tracks like "Suzie Smiled" and "Insanity" demonstrate a more nuanced, melodic approach, hinting at the band's potential for broader appeal while still retaining their characteristic edge.
Production and Controversy
The production of 'Wild Cat' aimed to capture the band's raw live energy, resulting in a sound that is unpolished but undeniably powerful. This no-frills approach was a hallmark of the NWOBHM, which often placed immediacy and authenticity above studio polish.
Despite the Tygers of Pan Tang's talent, the band's career was plagued by instability and controversy. Frequent lineup changes and internal conflicts hindered their ability to maintain momentum. Jess Cox, the band's enigmatic and often unpredictable frontman, was both a source of their raw power and a factor in some of the band's tumultuous times.