Tanith have perfectly the sound and feel of seventies Hard Rock and Heavy Metal with their latest album, Voyage (Metal Blade). Imagine traveling in a VW bus that is painted with brightly colored dragons and wizards with plenty of magic smoke billowing out the windows. Tanith would be the soundtrack of choice as you travel back in time.
With their often folksy duo female and male singing, and groovy twin guitar rock that produces a warm and bouncing sound, Tanith perfectly captures the sound and feel of a moment in time. It was a time when musicians pushed themselves further as they often let the music take the listener on the journey rather than the lyrics. Nostalgia acts are a dime a dozen in the Heavy Metal scene yet it’s refreshing to see a band deeply explore a decade other than the eighties.
‘Snow Tiger’, the first track and single from this release, is easily one of the best songs on the album. The song starts off with some light acoustics before some killer guitar licks kick in. The vocals are strong and the dual attack really works well here. As the song progresses into a more galloping pace you can’t help but start to bang your head.
‘Falling Wizard- is perhaps the most seventies-influenced track on the album. The vocals feel more folksy and tell the tale of epic fantasy and wizards. I’m more of a Death/Thrash guy but I can’t help but love this track. The chorus just hits so well. Most tracks are rather somber and mellow but when Tanith kicks up the riffs and solos that’s when they are firing on all cylinders.
‘Adrasteia’ is one of the tracks when Tanith steps on the gas and picks up the tempo. It’s not balls to the wall or pit-slamming speed but it works well with the rest of the album. This track takes a moment to let the bass shine through. There are plenty of killer bass lines on this album but with so many amazing harmonies packed in and some incredible vocal work, it is easily lost in the shuffle.
Tanith are pretty amazing at what they do. This record takes you back to the past while still feeling fresh and exciting and not just some sort of nostalgic cash-in. No matter the type of Metal you get into; Death, Black Thrash; make sure to give this album a try.
Buy the album here:
https://tanithnyc.bandcamp.com/album/voyage
8 / 10
ANDREW RISCH