It might be hard to recognize that Transistor symbolizes another comeback for Norway's TNT - simply because many people (except for the long-time fans) may never have heard of this group.
The band - vocalist Tony Harnell, guitarist Ronni Le Tektro, bassist Morty Black and drummer Frode Hansen - have been slugging it out for the better part of two decades, though their exposure in America hasn't been the greatest. Their reunion in 1996 hasn't seemed to attract a lot of attention, and their 1997 release Firefly was not released as a full album in America. So, Transistor could be seen as the first full-fledged attempt to get this band recognized.
My advice? Wake up and take notice, 'cause this album proves that TNT is not only relevant in 1999, but still packs a musical whallop.
Now, I'll freely admit that I've not followed TNT that closely over the years; I think the only album of theirs I own is Intuition, and I can't remember the last time I listened to it. So I entered Transistor stone cold, with no expectations - and in a way, that's not a bad approach to this album.
Harnell, an American singer fronting a Norweigan band, could pick up the phone book and make it sound convincing. On tracks like "Because I Love You," "No Such Thing," "Wide Awake" and "Into Pieces," he solidly and consistently delivers the goods. Providing the counter-attack is the remainder of the band; Le Tektro's guitar work is impressive, especially his rhythm work, which helps power the band into overdrive.
While it takes a little time to get into Transistor - "Just Like God," a track available only on the American version, isn't the strongest way to start this journey - once you're locked in, you won't want the door to ever unlock. From lighter power metal to the flirtation with ballads ("Fantasia Espanola" is a killer track, though it might throw some people for a loop), TNT proves they're not afraid to approach any musical style. They have nothing to lose, and everything to gain; to their benefit, they gain a lot with this album, including respect.
In a sense, it might not be right to label Transistor as a heavy metal album; TNT seems to bridge the gap between what they were in the '80s with a melting pot of rock that has become their sound. To say this is metal might scare away newer fans afraid of the terminology - but to call this a more rock album might frighten some of the older fans who have survived some of the band's style changes.
So what should one call Transistor? How about a fresh start for a band that has been waiting a long time for their number to be called? Better yet, call it what it is - a solid album worthy of your time, money and attention.