TYSONDOG is not exactly a new band. On the contrary, they stem from the aftermath of the early NWOBHM era, and were actually formed in 1983. From the start they were able to avoid a lot of the problems that other starting bands experienced, due to the vast amount of knowledge that surrounded them in their native Newcastle Upon Tyne. They released two albums in a short time, "Beware Of The Dog" in 1984 and "Crimes Of Insanity" in 1986. The reviews were great and the band acquired quite a following, without ever reaching the top status. Both these albums, if original and in good shape, are proper collector's items and worth a bob or two.

After these albums the band couldn't make it work the way they hoped, which was a major disillusion. They did the only thing they could think of and disbanded in 1987. Many years later they decided to reform, and I for one am very glad they did. Live they really kick arse and their 2015 album "Cry Havoc" is another masterpiece by TYSONDOG. Now, another seven years later, they are trying one again with their latest effort, which they have baptised "Midnight". And just to lay all of the demons to rest: it's another corker!

The songs on "Midnight" are of such a quality that you start wondering why the hell they have waited all these years to start recording once again. I don't know if the Covid-19 pandemic has anything to do with any delay or not, but it doesn't matter now. "Midnight" is upon us and let us rejoice! The sound on some of the albums that are being put out by the older NWOBHM era bands are just not up to scratch to downright pure crap. Well, you don't have to worry about that with TYSONDOG, as "Midnight" sounds terrific.

Like I said, the songs are all very strong. There is not one bad tune to be found, nothing is used as a filler. They are all thrillers. From the epic opening of "Batallion" to the last notes of "Waiting For God", you can't but help enjoy and admire what TYSONDOG are producing. The title track has an opening and starting riff that wouldn't go amiss on a METALLICA record before it becomes a song that is easy to sing along to, whilst "Dead Man Walking" could easily have been written by a pure Thrash Metal band. And there you have another trait of "Midnight", the diversity of all of the music on offer, but at the same time always maintaining a very distinctive and recognisable TYSONDOG sound. That in itself is quite a treat, and one I have been enjoying for a large number of hours. And it won't stop soon, trust me.