What makes Wild Cat by Tygers of Pan Tang notable?

The album helped define the NWOBHM genre, contributing to the rise of heavy metal in the UK during the late 70s and early 80s. It received positive reviews from critics, bolstering the band's reputation and leading to increased visibility on charts and at live performances. Released in January 1980, 'Wild Cat' was Tygers of Pan Tang's second studio album, following their debut 'Spellbound.' At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, gaining traction with a sound that balanced melody with aggression.

Wild Cat works well if you're into wave-like energy shifts, melodic hooks for sing-alongs and late-night energy bursts.

How many songs are on Wild Cat?

Wild Cat has 18 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Wild Cat

Tygers of Pan Tang · 1980

68 min · 18 tracks · heavy metal

A high-octane mix of heavy metal riffs and infectious hooks, embodying the spirit of the early NWOBHM movement.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Euthanasia — Opening with a powerful riff, this track encapsulates the raw energy and lyrical themes of struggle that characterize the album.
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Slave to Freedom — This song showcases a blend of melodic elements with heavy instrumentation, highlighting the band's ability to fuse catchy hooks with serious themes.
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Killers — A standout because of its aggressive pacing and dark lyrics, this track exemplifies the heavier side of NWOBHM and resonates with fans of the genre.
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Don't Touch Me There — This track features a catchy chorus and demonstrates the band's knack for memorable songwriting within a hard rock framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances typical of early heavy metal, with some standout tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track, followed by several songs that maintain a high energy level, creating an immediate sense of urgency.
Many tracks feature dual guitar harmonies that are characteristic of the NWOBHM sound, particularly in the solos.
The last three tracks slow down slightly, providing a brief respite before concluding with a return to the energetic style.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like energy shifts
melodic hooks for sing-alongs
late-night energy bursts
dynamic mix of tempos
short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

preference for slow builds
seeking cohesive long pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped define NWOBHM, establishing the band's presence in heavy metal.
Career context: Released in January 1980, 'Wild Cat' was Tygers of Pan Tang's second studio album, following their debut 'Spellbound.' At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, gaining traction with a sound that balanced melody with aggression.
Stylistic neighbors: Saxon· Iron Maiden· Judas Priest