Taipan - Taipan (1982)Release ID: 43847
The NWOBHM produced some exciting and exilharating releases for the time, but it also produced it's fair share of utter dross too. Released in 1982, this four-track EP from Melbourne's Taipan showcases what would certainly have been considered one of the better releases from the NWOBHM - if they had been from Melbourne in Derbyshire that is, rather than Victoria. Anyway, fuck geography, because this is a terrific little release that brings Diamond Head's Lightning To the Nations springing to mind.
The riffs have that hard-rock-influenced NWOBHM catchiness that the best of the UK scene had to offer with a driving, propulsive quality that would guarantee maximum headbanging action. The riff of opener "Breakout" certainly wouldn't have sounded out of place on Diamiond Head's classic debut, such is it's quality. The guitar solos are supercharged affairs, reminding me quite a lot of Phil Campbell's Motörhead leadwork, coming thick and fast, just like the doctor ordered and are my favourite part of the EP. Most of the vocals are performed by guitarist Dave Zerafa who, has some variety in his delivery. On "Breakout" he has a punky, aggressive edge to his voice similar to Iron Maiden's Paul Di'Anno, yet on second track, "Lady" he sounds much more like Diamond Head's Sean Harris, with even hints at Robert Plant-esque seductive tones. The vocals on final track, "The Cellar" are handled by bassist Emilio Sarpa, however, who has a similar style to Zerafa, although I think D.Z. is technically the better singer.
As a metalhead who was well immersed in the NWOBHM at the time, I can confidently say that had these guys been supporting Maiden or Saxon back in '81 down at my local venue then they would have been lapped up by me and my mates, that's for damned sure. The riffs, the solos, even the production, scream a band that just "get" what was going on in the metal new wave of the 1980's and has an authenticity that many retro acts have tried unsuccessfully to emulate. This is indeed an early 80's metal hidden gem and is right up there with some of the best shit hitting the streets way back when. For fans of Diamond Head, Blitzkrieg and Saxon.
