Check out our interview with TNT vocalist Tony Harnell

Right off the bat, I'll tell you that this is a GREAT CD with great songs! I can't put this disc down!! I've been a TNT fan since 1985 and have followed their career closely, and honestly, I wasn't thrilled about the direction the band took on their comeback album Firefly. Needless to say, I was somewhat skeptical about this Transistor disc. But after listening to it, I can see that Firefly was just a step forward in the band's natural evolution. TNT has matured as a band, and they have come full circle, thus giving us some of the most interesting, innovative and well-written songs ever created.

The "Klassisk" (pun intended for the die-hards only) TNT sound is still there with Tony Harnell's soaring vocals, Ronni LeTekro's amazing axe-wizardry and Morty Black's Funky Bass Chops providing the punch. The band has managed to take their sound and successfully blend it with a bit of a "modern" (and I use the term loosely) sound to create a new sound that will take TNT into the New Millenium. My main problem with "Modern" Rock is that it lacks melody, instrumentation and vocal prowess. Well, this CD has plenty of those things. Enough to please and convince me, and you guys know that's no easy task.

Transistor is a very melodic, hook-driven album and this shows best on the guitar playing. Ronni LeTekro is one of the greatest and most innovative guitarists of the Shred era and he proves it on this album. Transistor features a much more mature and controlled Ronni who shreds but does so in accordance to the song's needs, without overplaying. But Shred-Heads need not worry - the Guitar rips, Machine Gun and all!! I remember meeting Joe Lalaina (Writer for Guitar World Magazine) at an Yngwie show and him asking me who my fave axe-masters were. He just lit up when I mentioned Yngwie and Ronni, those were his faves as well.

As for the vocals, Harnell sounds his usual God-Like self and all the high notes are there. There is no doubt, the man has some serious pipes. The tight backbeat is provided by Morty's bass lines which blend perfectly with new drummer's Frode Lamoy's thunderous chops. Tony is very high on drummer Lamoy, referring to him as "the best young musician in Norway right now, definitely the best drummer we've ever had." His work on Transistor really shines! (Even though I am biased to John Macaluso. But that's just me.)

Here's the track by track review:
1. Just Like God - Great opener, very cool riff and a very catchy chorus. I could do without some of the electronic sampling and voice effects, but in a way that makes it interesting. Tony's soaring vocals make the song. Nice Machine Gun lead as well.
2. Wide Awake - Another catchy rocker with great vocals and a great solo. Classic TNT!
3. No Such Thing - This could be a hit single. Very catchy. Ronni rips on the solo for this song. Check it out.
4. Crashing Down - This is a fast-paced rocker with a bit of a modern sound and great vocal harmonies.
5. Fantasia Española - This is the band's favorite song of the album. A beautiful acoustic ballad that picks up at the end, it features Ronni's soloing and fills on a Nylon String. Tony's voice comes from deep inside his soul on this one. (As an added bonus, he's "Livin' La Vida Loca" with a few Spanish lines)
6. Because I Love You - A great riff opens the song. Catchy chorus with great harmonies, reminiscent of the "Realized Fantasies" days. Great rippin' solo.
7. The Whole You're In - (MetalGod's Pick) This gritty, raunchy rocker is probably the best track of the album. Tony grinds his teeth to sing this gritty tune and Morty rips a page off the Phil Lynott book of bass playing. Heavy tribal drumming and to top it all off not just one but TWO ASS KICKING LETEKRO SOLOS!! What the hell else do you want?
8. Mousetrap - Another upbeat catchy rocker. After listening to this song, you'll be singing along… "I don't know why, I don't know why…" Great Solo!!
9. Into Pieces - This is a cool song that's based around a funky riff (reminiscent of Vagabond's Thunder Blunder - for the diehards) that allows Morty to really shine.
10. Under My Pillow - This beautiful ballad features Tony sharing the lead vocals with Norwegian singer M.B. Norman (Ronni's cousin). Norman's angelic voice is a perfect match for Tony's soaring high vocals (reminiscent of Without Your Love off of the Knights album). This duet is a winning combination.
11. No Guarantees - Transistor closes with a bang with this fast-paced heavy rocker. Tony's growling and soaring screams are featured along with Morty's fast-paced picking and Ronni's axe-kicking! This song is rude as Hell!! Hell Yeah!

Yes, TNT re-invented themselves on Transistor but that's not a bad thing. It takes a couple of listens to really absorb it, but once you do absorb it, you'll be glad you did. And then, I guarantee that Transistor will make your CD player it's permanent home. I personally would not want to hear a remake of Tell No Tales or Intuition, like Def Leppard's Euphoria, or Hysteria as I prefer to call it. That's pretty lame in my book, and it's also a sign of a band that's run out of ideas. TNT shows they have ideas and a sound that will take them over the top. Transistor is a Stellar CD, highly melodic, with great lyrics and a fresh sound. It grows on you like a fast-spreading virus and then takes over 'til your skull is humming the songs unconsciously and without your permission. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.

-MetalGod

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