Marcel Ovieira Music, Brazil - 'Majors And Minors' Review


Iacopo Meille didn't know what to expect when he joined Tygers of Pan Tang in 2004, but he was in the clouds for joining one of his favourite New Wave of British Heavy Metal groups. Now, in 2021, the Florentine vocalist celebrates 17 years in the band with a compilation that covers the four albums he's recorded with them: “Animal Instinct” (2008), “Ambush” (2012), “Tygers of Pan Tang” (2016) and “Ritual” (2019).

Although the focus of “Majors & Minors” is the period after the entry of Meille, just press play to conclude that the credit for the Tygers revival must be shared with Gav Gray (bass), Craig Ellis (drums) and above all the prodigy of guitar Micky Crystal, who left the band at the beginning of last year. Under the command of veteran guitarist Robb Weir, the group shines.

Who signs the selection of the repertoire is the band itself. To make the investment even more attractive, some lost jewels from the catalogue were included, such as “Plug Me In” (B-side of the single “Never Give In”), “What You Say” (B-side of the single “Only the Brave”) and an orchestrated cut of “Spoils of War”.
If in numbers, the chosen ones present in “Majors and Minors” are unable to rival classics like “Love Potion # 9” - 200 thousand copies sold in 1982 - in quality is proof that the Tygers of the 21st century owe nothing to the years when the Johns, Deverill and Sykes stole the spotlight. Watch the video of the Cultura Metal channel dedicated to NWOBHM's must-see albums on YouTube.

It is also evident that time has brought versatility; let it be said the almost pop hard of "Glad Rags" and the choruses of "White Lines" and "Destiny", are tailor-made to be sung by crowds. With no forecast for a Brazilian edition, "Majors and Minors" is scheduled for release on May 28 in Europe in CD and LP formats with amazingly, four colour options.

Prepare your pocket, completists!


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