Tygers of Pan Tang were one of the bands that helped bring the New Wave of British Heavy Metal to life. Their early songs had everything: Fast riffs, twin guitar attacks, catchy hooks and that raw energy that made the NWOBHM years so exciting.
From the aggressive sound of “Hellbound” and “Gangland” to the motorcycle spirit of “Wild Catz” the band gave us plenty of tracks worth coming back to. And they didn’t stop there. “Only the Brave” showed that they could still make traditional heavy metal years later.
Let’s take a look at ten fan favourites. Which one deserves the crown?
10 Best Tygers of Pan Tang Songs
Hellbound – “Spellbound” (1981)
A fast NWOBHM classic with aggressive guitar work from Robb Weir and John Sykes. With its sinister and driving tone, the song delivers pure, relentless energy. It was also released as a single, with “Don’t Give a Damn” on the B-side.
Gangland – “Spellbound” (1981)
One of the album’s most aggressive tracks, driven by a fast tempo, a powerful main riff, and dueling guitar leads. It even caught the attention of Kreator, who recorded their own version in 1987.
Slave to Freedom – “Wild Cat” (1980)
Built around Robb Weir’s punchy guitar riffing, this nearly six-minute track takes on the dark irony of war and the idea of using destruction to supposedly protect democracy.
Love Potion No. 9 – “The Cage” (1982)
A metal take on the old Leiber and Stoller song. It’s a funny story about a man buying a magic love potion, only to end up kissing everything in sight, including a policeman!
Only the Brave – “Tygers of Pan Tang” (2016)
A return to driving traditional hard rock and heavy metal. The song deals with inner struggles, living between light and darkness and finding the strength to keep going.
Crazy Nights – “Crazy Nights” (1981)
This one is all about the excitement of a heavy metal show, the crowd and wild nights out. It captures that early ’80s feeling when the music and the party went hand in hand.
Don’t Stop By – “Spellbound” (1981)
A different side of the band, with a catchy melodic hard rock feel. Instead of street fights and combat, this one deals with relationships and personal drama.
Mirror – “Spellbound” (1981)
One of the more melancholic songs on the album. Its mirror isn’t a fairy-tale friend but something that reflects pain, obsession and the memories of someone who is gone.
Euthanasia – “Wild Cat” (1980)
Written in 1978 by Robb Weir and Jess Cox, this track uses dark, provocative humour and a raw punk-influenced attitude. Its lyrics imagine a bizarre system for getting rid of older generations.
Wild Catz – “Wild Cat” (1980)
A song made for the open road, with motorcycle imagery, speed, wine and women. There’s another interesting detail here: guitarist Robb Weir takes over lead vocals instead of Jess Cox.
A Few Things You Might Not Know
- John Sykes played on “Spellbound. He shared guitar duties with Robb Weir before going on to play with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake.
- Kreator covered “Gangland”. Their version appeared on the “Behind the Mirror” single and the “Out of the Dark… Into the Light” EP.
- “Hellbound” had a life beyond the album. The song was released as a single and later covered by bands including Heathen and Roxxcalibur.
- The band name came from fantasy literature. The name is actually derived from Pan Tang, a fictional archipelago in Michael Moorcock’s Elric of Melniboné fantasy series whose wizards keep tigers as pets.
Ten songs, different moods, and plenty of NWOBHM attitude. Now it’s time to pick a winner.
Which Tygers of Pan Tang song gets your vote? Let us know your favourite! 🤘
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