The Metal Files

Tanith hit “the scene” in early 2018 with the release of their Citadel EP and unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the band is co-fronted by one of Satan’s axemen, Russ Tippins and his girlfriend Cindy Maynard on bass and rounded out with Charles Newton on guitars and Keith Robinson on drums.

One of Tanith’s main principles in recording is that everything has to be done analog and it comes across clearly in their debut full length In Another Time released just recently on Metal Blade Records. While I’ve had the digital *gasp* files for a while, listening to the vinyl pressing this week on my 70s Pioneer turntable and receiver just sets me right. The recording is so warm and natural.  The 70s vibe is certainly there and they certainly reached their goal in the sound of the record.

The album has 9 tracks total, all of which I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen live on a couple of occasions.  The album is really special in that it’s not a metal record at all, but a melodic piece of art that just about any fan of hard rock can enjoy.  The ongoing comparisons to Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash and maybe a little early Thin Lizzy are legit but they have their thing going for them.  The best part is that none of this sounds contrived.  It’s one issue I have with a lot of the New Wave of Traditional Metal bands is that many try to hard to sound like they were from the 80s and it just ends up sounding like cheese. Again, Tanith isn’t a metal band, but their 70s rock sound and lyrics don’t sound like they were trying hard to fit that era.  It all sounds very natural.

Cindy and Russ’ vocals work together perfectly on this record and I love the mix overall.  Russ and Charles’ guitars circle around each other perfectly throughout the record.  Keith and Cindy’s rhythm section is spot on and natural.  Nothing is left out, meaning all instruments and vocals sound up front and clear and it’s quite refreshing. Their musical style lends to that as well.

I have no problem giving this 10/10 and it’s certainly one of the top releases of 2019. Top 3 tracks for me are Wing of the Owl, Cassini’s Deadly Plunge and Dionysus. Citadel and Eleven Years are the same recordings from the EP, but mixed a bit differently (I think?).  I also love those songs.  Let’s face it, I love the whole damned thing and can’t wait to see them live again.  Maybe one day they’ll add the song The Rock Stands Tall to an upcoming release.  While it was originally an early never-recorded Satan song, it fit their sound perfectly.

Listen for yourself.  DO IT.