Tyran | Tyran's Oath | Iron Shield Records (Original)/Listenable Records (Reissue)

 Tyran was born in a time of lockdown and uncertainty, emerging from the still-burning furnace of traditional heavy metal in 2020 with the demos “Highway Warriors” and “Fists Of Iron.” These early releases introduced the band’s stripped-down, no-compromise approach rooted in European heavy metal traditions, drawing influence from early ‘80s legends while maintaining their own battle-driven aesthetic. Their reputation grew in underground circles thanks to fiery live shows across German stages in 2023. In 2024, Tyran unleashed their debut album, “Tyran’s Oath,” a full-scale rallying cry built on steadfast riffs, pounding rhythms, and warlike imagery. The album aims to cement their place among a new generation of heavy metal warriors. With live triumphs behind them and more campaigns ahead, Tyran stands ready to carry their oath into the future.

“Tyran’s Oath” is direct and unwavering in its intent. The production is raw but legible, offering a mix that feels grounded in traditional studio aesthetics without relying on overprocessing or unnecessary modern gloss. The guitars are front and center, with steady chugging rhythms, classic gallops, and moments of fiery soloing that echo the grit of early German and British heavy metal. Drums maintain a strict march, never flashy, never falling behind. Bass is audible, with a firm low-end that adds weight to the guitars, especially during transitions and slower, stomping passages.

Vocals are delivered in an assertive and mid-range style, neither theatrical nor harsh. The delivery complements the lyrics, which rely on familiar topics such as battle, honor, vengeance, and freedom. Each track maintains a sense of forward drive, supported by a focus on hook-based riffing and strong chorus phrasing. “Protectors Of Metal” and “Tyran’s Oath” carry the thematic banner with rally-like refrains, while “Bomber” and “Assault” shift into more aggressive pacing.

Throughout the album, the band avoids complexity in favor of momentum and energy. There are no ballads, ambient interludes, or experiments—only solid, fist-in-the-air anthems crafted for small clubs, beer-soaked festivals, and underground halls. Even the two live recordings—“Heavy Metal Outlaws” and “Strike Of The Whip”—serve as affirmation of the band’s live credibility rather than bonuses or fillers. The crowd sounds and slightly looser execution add character without breaking the tone of the studio material.

The album closes on “Lightning Strikes,” a track that doesn’t aim for conclusion as much as it keeps the pulse alive for the stage to take over. This is music written for live translation, and its sense of repetition and structure works better when seen as part of a communal experience rather than as a solitary listening session. “Tyran’s Oath” doesn’t drag, nor does it rush. The sequence is balanced, and the runtime remains engaging for fans of no-frills heavy metal. It fits well within the traditions it draws from, avoiding modern genre fusions or deviations from its chosen path. 

Score: 8.8/10