Tygers of Pan Tang on DeBaser: NWOBHM claws, riffs, and reviews

The Profile

Tygers of Pan Tang are a British heavy metal band formed in Whitley Bay in 1978 and one of the key names of the NWOBHM. Early albums Wild Cat (1980) and Spellbound (1981) cemented their reputation, aided by guitarist John Sykes and vocalist Jon Deverill. After more commercial turns on The Cage (1982) and later AOR-leaning releases, the band regrouped, returning to form with 2000s–2010s albums including Animal Instinct (2008), Ambush (2012), Tygers of Pan Tang (2016), and Ritual (2019), led by founding guitarist Robb Weir and vocalist Jacopo Meille.

Formed in Whitley Bay, England; core member Robb Weir. Associated with the NWOBHM alongside Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Def Leppard. John Sykes (later Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) and Jon Deverill were pivotal to early-’80s success. Reunited for Wacken Open Air in 1999; continued with acclaimed later albums including the 2016 self-titled and 2019’s Ritual.

Reviews chart the Tygers’ rise from NWOBHM staples (Wild Cat, Spellbound) to AOR-inflected turns (The Cage, The Wreck-Age), and their 2000s resurgence. Line-up spotlights include Robb Weir, Jon Deverill, and John Sykes, with later praise for Jacopo Meille. Recent albums like Ambush, the 2016 self-titled, and Ritual show a seasoned band still roaring. Live energy and production choices are recurring themes.

Notable Quotes

❝ "Spellbound", the second release by the Tygers, was released under MCA in 1981, and compared to the previous Wild Cats, it has one of the essential qualities to be a masterpiece: greater sonic compactness and variety supported by an incredible soul that seems to vividly live from the first to the last listen, as well as being played devilishly well.

❝ What a show, this is what metal is.

❝ The reason why the Tygers of Pan Tang are famous is certainly not found in this 1985 album, "The Wreck-Age", a pop metal/AOR candy that thrives on unique, unrepeatable novel elements that, in fact, have never been replicated by anyone.

❝ I honestly didn't think there were many bands left from the NWOBHM movement still around, but rediscovering that the English tigers are still active can't help but make me smile.