Lightning Strikes Thrice for Tantrum

TANTRUM, a Glasgow-based old-school metal band, has been delivering powerful performances with their classic guitar-driven riffs and driving rhythms since 2014.

The band first made waves with their debut album ‘Melt it Down’ in 2018, establishing their signature sound that combines old-school metal with a modern twist. However, it was the addition of vocalist Mark Reid in 2021 that marked a significant turning point for the band, introducing stronger lyrical themes, thought-provoking content, and solid vocal harmonies to their music.

Mark Reid’s arrival late 2021, along with the recruitment of guitarist Baz Fitzsimmons during the ‘Worlds End’ EP period early 2022 and Micah Snow taking on the role of bassist shortly thereafter, led to the release of their second album, “Another Life”, on July 28th, 2023. The album’s debut single, “Sands of Time,” received excellent reviews and garnered significant attention, showcasing the band’s growing popularity and the strength of their new material.

As TANTRUM continued to evolve, Micah Snow transitioned to the lead guitar role, and Chris Horne, another established lead guitarist, stepped in to fill the bass-player-sized hole left behind. Chris brought fresh energy to the band and contributed new material, including “The Darkest of Times,” which became the first single from their upcoming album, ‘No Place For The Damned’. The writing collaborations between Fitzsimmons, Horne, and Reid have further reinforced the band’s newfound lyrical depth and vocal harmonies.

In early 2024, TANTRUM welcomed drummer Mark Riches, completing the current lineup. With this powerhouse ensemble, the band immediately immersed themselves in the recording of their third album, set for an August30threlease. ‘No Place For The Damned’ features eleven new tracks that showcase a heavier, more modern sound while retaining the accessibility that fans have come to love. The album promises to deliver the intense and dynamic sound that TANTRUM is known for, pushing the boundaries of their musical style with added complexities, highlighting their growth as a band.

TANTRUM is poised to make a significant impact on the metal scene. The band is excited to share their new music with fans and is confident that ‘No Place For The Damned’ will solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of metal, while also attracting new listeners with their bold, innovative approach. With plans to bring their intense, commanding stage presence to audiences beyond the UK, including Europe, TANTRUM is eager to showcase their new material and connect with fans on a wider scale through their powerful and engaging live performances.

LINE-UP
Mark Reid–Vocals
Baz Fitzsimmons–Guitars
Micah Snow–Guitars
Chris Horne–Bass
Mark Riches-Drums

REVIEW

TANTRUM is a band that I’ve been a fan of for a lot longer than I realized. First hearing “New World Order” from ‘Melt it Down’ in 2019, and I’ve followed them ever since. Also, I maintain that ‘Melt it Down’ has one of the coolest covers in all of NWOTHM.

An ominous new bulletin warning of mankind’s destruction began “Manifest Destiny”, eventually accompanied by resounding and increasingly loud banshee’s cries from lead vocalist Mark Reid. Speaking of the vocals, I was really digging them in this son, Reid’s cadence and delivery was equal parts grandiose and grounded. As for the song itself, seeing Tantrum’s evolution as musicians has been a treat, and I’m happy to say that this opener verges on the progressive side of things at points, but without the oft-attached pretentiousness that leeches onto the genre. Great track for sure, and one that will certainly stick to my playlist.

A thundering drumroll beckons the coming of the “Minotaur”, our second track. It automatically gets points for me for being named after my favorite mythical beastie. A much more streamlined and straightforward rocker track, but not one without its flairs. The guitar solo, alongside the exemplary drumming from Mark Riches, definitely stood out to me. Bassist Chris Horne also gets a chance to shine, with a gnarly, albeit brief, bass-led section. Once more, Reid’s vocals are a treat to my ears.

A momentary sting of distortion began “W.A.I.L.”, but was followed quickly by some very power metal-esque riffs. I found this song to be a bit of an earworm, which makes it all the more understandable why it was chosen as one of the lead singles for the album. What I like is that, while making a track that is undeniably more commercially friendly (not a bad thing), TANTRUM still manage to showcase their killer musicianship and great lyric writing.

A really gnarly scratch sequence began “Deepest Line” (I don’t know what that technique is called, I can’t play. Bear with me). While it wasn’t my favorite track that we’ve heard thus far, I still found this one quite enjoyable. I found myself trying to map out all of Mark Reid’s vocal influences, as well as loving the overall groove of the song itself. And once again, another excellent solo from the tandem of Baz and Micah.

“Hellbound Planet” opened with a real hard rocking riff, that I felt a bit of a glam tinge accompanying it. This one took until about the halfway mark to really click for me, but once it did, it had me in its talons for the rest of runtime. The main riff was wizardry, and the way the chorus practically screams for the crowd to sing to along with it. This was a great track, that I’m sure would shine live.

“The Darkest of Times” reminded me greatly of some great early 2000s power metal, but I am utterly stumped as to exactly which band. It’s the harsh growl-like vocal that crops up occasionally that’s throwing me off, and it’s bugging me to no end. The chorus was another earworm to be sure, and once more Reid’s vocals are a true standout. Either way, this was another solid track.

“Internal Bleeding” started off with a squeal, as I assume most cases of internal bleeding do. This one didn’t really hit for me, though nothing was musically wrong or even subpar, just wasn’t for me on this listen. That said, I still loved Reid’s vocal performance in this track.

“Scarred” began with a riff that was very reminiscent of CIRITH UNGOL’s ‘Frost and Fire’, but not in a way that seemed derivative or plagiarized, but more of a homage. I have to say that the guitar solo is really where this track shined the brightest for me, with an incredible sustained note at one point. I’ve grown quite fond of sustains over the recent weeks and months, so that one note really struck a chord with me. Pun intended.

“The Judge”, not be confused with the 2014 Robert Duvall/RDJ film of the same name, began with a real crunchy riff (complimentary). The thought provoking lyrics had me in a trance for much of the song. Also, this song reminded me a lot of Germany’s HAMMER KING. The main groove did much of the heavy lifting in this one, but not a single piece of TANTRUM was slacking off.

“Traveller” was a song that didn’t click with me, maybe because it was getting late when I was listening. Despite that, it is a song that I feel will grow on me. Reid holds an insane note at the tail end of the track, that was worthy of applause. I look forward to revisiting this one without my reviewing ears on.

“The Pit and the Pendulum” is our album closer, and also the band’s longest song to date at a bit over 8 minutes. As one would expect for a song that shares a name with a Poe poem, a Poem if you will, the track begins with a bit of gothic and almost melancholic guitar work. As Reid’s vocals begin, I found them tantalizingly beautiful. There’s a riff at a little past the 4 minute mark that had me hooked, great stuff. I can only describe this song as epic, possibly even a magnum opus.

CONCLUSION

This was a banger! Might be my favorite TANTRUM record thus far. Mark Reid’s vocals are an absolute treat to hear. Each member of the band was all-in on this one. While a few songs didn’t hit for me personally, it wasn’t enough to detract from the overall album experience. Definitely don’t miss this one!

TheNWOTHM Score: 9/10

TANTRUM’s ‘No Place For the Damned’ released on 30 August, 2024
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