Tytan

Biography

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Tytan (1981-1983, 2010-present): a NWOBHM band from London, UK.

ormed at the height of the NWOBHM in the autumn of 1981 by the former Angel Witch rhythm section, bassist Kevin Riddles and drummer Dave Dufort (ex-E. F. Band), Scottish vocalist Norman 'Kal' Swan, and guitarists Steve Gibbs and Glasgow born Stewartie Adams. The latter unfortunately had to leave the band and Gary Owens (ex-A II Z/Aurora) had a brief stay before Steve Mann (ex-Liar/ Lionheart) joined.

Signed to 'Kamaflage Records', a subsidiary of 'DJM', Tytan recorded their first album. Former Judas Priest and Lionheart drummer Les Binks joined the band just in time for the recording in place of Dave Dufort. Jody Turner of Rock Goddess made a guest vocal appearance on the song Women On The Frontline. Binks would be replaced by Tony Boden on the band's October 1982 UK tour with the Tygers of Pan Tang who was gone shortly thereafter, replaced by Simon Wright (ex-Tora Tora/A II Z/Aurora).

'Kamaflage' folded before the album was released but managed to release the single Blind Men and Fools in both 7" and 12" formats in September 1982 before the band split up the following summer. Wright would join AC/DC and subsequently work with Dio, Rhino Bucket, and U.F.O. vocalist Kal Swan moved to Los Angeles, where he formed the band Lion with former Lone Star guitarist Tony Smith whose replacement was future Dio and Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich. Swan and Aldrich went on to record a further 3 albums in the 1990s under the name Bad Moon Rising. Steve Mann returned to Lionheart and recorded the 1984 Hot Tonight album with the band before joining the McAuley Schenker Group, Sweet, and German prog rock act Eloy.

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In 1985, London-based label 'Metal Masters' released the shelved Tytan tapes as the Rough Justice LP. A Japanese CD bootleg followed in the early 1990s, before 'Majestic Rock Records' gave the album an official CD re-issue in 2004 and again in 2006, with 4 BBC 'Friday Rock Show' session live tracks (Cold Bitch, The Watcher, Far Side of Destiny and Blind Men and Fools) and a live DVD added as bonus on the second edition.

In 2012, an invitation to perform at Keep It True XV Festival in Germany saw Tytan reform with a revised line-up. Joining original band members Kevin Riddles, Steve Gibbs and Steve Mann were vocalist Tom Barna (from the band Diamond Faith), Andrew Thompson on keyboards, and Angel Witch drummer Andrew Prestidge. Steve Gibbs left the band in early 2014. Drummers Chris Benton and then Mikey Ciancio joined during 2012 and 2013 respectively, and between 2015 and 2017 James Wise took over the role, followed by current drummer Seth Markes. Meanwhile, Dave Strange joined the band in November 2014, when Steve Mann departed. Dave Strange was replaced in 2021 by guitarist Peter Welsh. Tom Barna's replacement, Tony Coldham, performed his last show with the band on 13 October 2018, as he had decided to concentrate on his other outfit, The Deep. In December 2018, the band recruited vocalist Grant Foster. In 2021, Tony Coldham returned to complete the current Tytan lineup.

In 2017, Tytan released their follow-up album to Rough Justice, Justice Served, through German label, 'High Roller Records'. At the same time, the company also re-issued the group's out-of-print debut album, Rough Justice.

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