Trytan is a Melodic Metal band from Chicago, IL and is the brainchild of vocalist/guitarist-Lary Dean who formed the band back in the early 80's. Trytan incorporates subtle progressive touches into their arrangements and has been compared to such bands as Rush and Dream Theatre.
The band explains the meaning behind their moniker: "Well I suppose the Tri came from us being three-piece of course. In the likeness & inspiration of Rush, Triumph, Hendrix, Cream, Mahogany Rush, Pat Traverse & Kings X. Titan times 3. 3 titans. And of course we were not claiming to be titans. The meaning of a titan or Titan; One that stands out for greatness of achievement. Trytan; three titans in one. Almighty God! God is the ultimate Trytan! An acronym that we also espoused and applied was “To Reach Youth Through the Almighty Nazarene."
Not long after their conception, Trytan got the ball rollin' with the release of a couple of demos garnering the band much needed exposure. In 1985 the band entered the studio to begin work on their debut album. Then in 1987, Trytan released their full-length debut release titled 'Celestial Messenger' on R.E.X. New York. With their first release, the band's influence becomes quite noticeable. The album featured 8-tracks that all draw strong comparison to early Rush albums. This was a strong release for the band with the album receiving rave reviews. The line-up for 'Celestial Messenger' was comprised of vocalist/guitarist-Lary Dean, bassist/keyboardist-Steve Robinson, and drummer-Scotty Blackman. In 1990 Trytan followed up with the release of their full-length sophomore album titled 'Sylentiger' on R.E.X. Music. The line-up for 'Sylentiger' was comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist-Lary Dean, bassist/keyboardist-Steve Robinson, and drummer-Jim Dobbs. This release features 11-tracks and finds the band coming more into their own and playing more straight forward Heavy Metal. Unfortunately, this album finds the bands sound quality dropping and sounding a bit thin & muddy throughout the recording. However, in 2020 'Sylentiger' was re-issued by Rob Colwell of Retroactive Records who re-mastered the recording allowing for a much tighter overall production. This is a solid offering by the band and would make a great addition to any Metal collection.
After the release of their 1990 'Sylentiger' album, the band went on an indefinite hiatus and wasn't heard from again. According to the band, the reason for their departure from the Metal music realm was based on a few different events. The first event was that after the release of their sophomore album it wasn't long before they stopped touring due to the fact that R.E.X. Records was growing tremendously and were rapidly signing new artists. As a result, Trytan fell on their priority matrix and the album got pushed down the list of R.E.X.'s to-do-list. The second event that led to Trytan disbanding was a little closer to home. During that time, Lary & his wife were raising three young children that were growing and needed lots of love, time, and attention along with the fact that Lary's mom had been diagnosed with cancer. On top of all of that, Lary & his wife were facing some interpersonal and relational challenges. During these trials and storms, the Lord seeded some convictions and Lary & his wife were led to start discipling, counseling, and evangelizing which ultimately led to them planting churches in both Chicago and Texas.
30 years after the band's 'Sylentiger' release Lary Dean felt called by the Lord to return to the music industry to produce a new Trytan album. Lary waisted not time, and in 2019 he contacted bassist-Jim LaVerde(Barren Cross) and drummer/keyboardist Eric Gillette(Neal Morse Band) who both promptly came on board to complete the band. Not long after forming, Trytan once again darkened the doors of the studio to begin work on new material for a new album.
The band explains the meaning behind their moniker: "Well I suppose the Tri came from us being three-piece of course. In the likeness & inspiration of Rush, Triumph, Hendrix, Cream, Mahogany Rush, Pat Traverse & Kings X. Titan times 3. 3 titans. And of course we were not claiming to be titans. The meaning of a titan or Titan; One that stands out for greatness of achievement. Trytan; three titans in one. Almighty God! God is the ultimate Trytan! An acronym that we also espoused and applied was “To Reach Youth Through the Almighty Nazarene."
Not long after their conception, Trytan got the ball rollin' with the release of a couple of demos garnering the band much needed exposure. In 1985 the band entered the studio to begin work on their debut album. Then in 1987, Trytan released their full-length debut release titled 'Celestial Messenger' on R.E.X. New York. With their first release, the band's influence becomes quite noticeable. The album featured 8-tracks that all draw strong comparison to early Rush albums. This was a strong release for the band with the album receiving rave reviews. The line-up for 'Celestial Messenger' was comprised of vocalist/guitarist-Lary Dean, bassist/keyboardist-Steve Robinson, and drummer-Scotty Blackman. In 1990 Trytan followed up with the release of their full-length sophomore album titled 'Sylentiger' on R.E.X. Music. The line-up for 'Sylentiger' was comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist-Lary Dean, bassist/keyboardist-Steve Robinson, and drummer-Jim Dobbs. This release features 11-tracks and finds the band coming more into their own and playing more straight forward Heavy Metal. Unfortunately, this album finds the bands sound quality dropping and sounding a bit thin & muddy throughout the recording. However, in 2020 'Sylentiger' was re-issued by Rob Colwell of Retroactive Records who re-mastered the recording allowing for a much tighter overall production. This is a solid offering by the band and would make a great addition to any Metal collection.
After the release of their 1990 'Sylentiger' album, the band went on an indefinite hiatus and wasn't heard from again. According to the band, the reason for their departure from the Metal music realm was based on a few different events. The first event was that after the release of their sophomore album it wasn't long before they stopped touring due to the fact that R.E.X. Records was growing tremendously and were rapidly signing new artists. As a result, Trytan fell on their priority matrix and the album got pushed down the list of R.E.X.'s to-do-list. The second event that led to Trytan disbanding was a little closer to home. During that time, Lary & his wife were raising three young children that were growing and needed lots of love, time, and attention along with the fact that Lary's mom had been diagnosed with cancer. On top of all of that, Lary & his wife were facing some interpersonal and relational challenges. During these trials and storms, the Lord seeded some convictions and Lary & his wife were led to start discipling, counseling, and evangelizing which ultimately led to them planting churches in both Chicago and Texas.
30 years after the band's 'Sylentiger' release Lary Dean felt called by the Lord to return to the music industry to produce a new Trytan album. Lary waisted not time, and in 2019 he contacted bassist-Jim LaVerde(Barren Cross) and drummer/keyboardist Eric Gillette(Neal Morse Band) who both promptly came on board to complete the band. Not long after forming, Trytan once again darkened the doors of the studio to begin work on new material for a new album.
In 2021 Trytan released their third full-length studio album titled 'Blood Of Kings' on Retroactive Records.
'Blood Of Kings' was produced by Lary Dean and Eric Gillette at EKG Studios for WorldLight Music. The album's executive producer was Matt Hunt of Retroactive Records. The recording was Mixed & Mastered by Eric Gillette(Neal Morse Band). The album's cover art, layout, and design was done by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal and includes a 16 page booklet/jewel case and a Trytan foil-stamped trading card.
This release finds the band at the top of their game with top of the line production, solid vocals, electrifying guitars, poundin' drums, and relentless bass lines. The band's sound continues in the veins of 'Rush' while branching out and allowing some of their own styles to shine through their arrangements. 'Blood Of Kings' finds the band combining 80's and modern style Metal seasoned with progressive touches from beginning to end. On this project, one will notice that the keyboards have a distinctive sound to them which we often find with progressive oriented bands. This shouldn’t come as a surprise with the likes of keyboardist-Eric Gillette of the Progressive Hard Rock outfit - 'Neal Morse Band'.
One track worth noting is track-11 "Revelation Song" where Lary brought on a few special guest to help with vocals duties including John Elefante(Kansas, Mastedon), Rey Parra(Sacred Warrior, Deny The Fallen), and Eric Gillette(Neal Morse Band).
'Blood Of Kings' was produced by Lary Dean and Eric Gillette at EKG Studios for WorldLight Music. The album's executive producer was Matt Hunt of Retroactive Records. The recording was Mixed & Mastered by Eric Gillette(Neal Morse Band). The album's cover art, layout, and design was done by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal and includes a 16 page booklet/jewel case and a Trytan foil-stamped trading card.
This release finds the band at the top of their game with top of the line production, solid vocals, electrifying guitars, poundin' drums, and relentless bass lines. The band's sound continues in the veins of 'Rush' while branching out and allowing some of their own styles to shine through their arrangements. 'Blood Of Kings' finds the band combining 80's and modern style Metal seasoned with progressive touches from beginning to end. On this project, one will notice that the keyboards have a distinctive sound to them which we often find with progressive oriented bands. This shouldn’t come as a surprise with the likes of keyboardist-Eric Gillette of the Progressive Hard Rock outfit - 'Neal Morse Band'.
One track worth noting is track-11 "Revelation Song" where Lary brought on a few special guest to help with vocals duties including John Elefante(Kansas, Mastedon), Rey Parra(Sacred Warrior, Deny The Fallen), and Eric Gillette(Neal Morse Band).
Lead vocalist-Lary Dean draws strong comparison to singer-Geddy Lee of the Canadian Rock band 'Rush'. Lary has a slightly higher pitched vocal delivery which is sure to appeal to fans of Classic Metal.
Lary Dean not only can sing but is also a very capable guitarist and throughout this project he shows his prowess with the six strings. The guitar work here is nothing short of jaw dropping to say the least mixing 80’s style riffs with more modern day techniques.
Lyrics are evangelical and thought provoking as one can see in the following excerpts:
(All Lyrics written by Lary Dean)
"The Descender"
He came down to suffer and He paid the price for sin
He'll tear the sky and the flames will fly when
He's coming back, He's coming back, He's coming back
Yeah He's coming back...again. He the Descender
He's coming back, He's coming back again!
"A Million Hearts"
There are millions of hearts, lost and dying
Just look around you, you can hear them crying
Yes there are millions of heart, alone and dying
It's time to shine like the Son, and run the race to be run
Why don't you just tell one about His love today!
"Ricochet"
Life is like a bullet from a gun
A breath you feel and then it's gone
I don't know what more I can say
I hope you're ready for that day
Cause life is like a ricochet
Do you think you'll head into the Son?
You're on your way, your works won't get it done
You'll hit the wall with your own good
And carom by grace to life all by His word!
"Centrifuge"
There's One who sees through you
And knows the pain inside
Killed the darkness
Crushed your death and hears your every cry
"The Descender"
He came down to suffer and He paid the price for sin
He'll tear the sky and the flames will fly when
He's coming back, He's coming back, He's coming back
Yeah He's coming back...again. He the Descender
He's coming back, He's coming back again!
"A Million Hearts"
There are millions of hearts, lost and dying
Just look around you, you can hear them crying
Yes there are millions of heart, alone and dying
It's time to shine like the Son, and run the race to be run
Why don't you just tell one about His love today!
"Ricochet"
Life is like a bullet from a gun
A breath you feel and then it's gone
I don't know what more I can say
I hope you're ready for that day
Cause life is like a ricochet
Do you think you'll head into the Son?
You're on your way, your works won't get it done
You'll hit the wall with your own good
And carom by grace to life all by His word!
"Centrifuge"
There's One who sees through you
And knows the pain inside
Killed the darkness
Crushed your death and hears your every cry
Trytan is for fans of Rush, Kings X, Extreme, and Triumph. If you are looking for some solid Heavy Metal to add to your collection then check out what Trytan has offered up over the years. Help support the band and Christian Metal music by picking up your copy of the band's latest release 'Blood Of Kings'.
Purchases can be made at the following links:
Lary Dean - Vocals & Guitars
Jim LaVerde(Barren Cross) - Bass
Eric Gillette(Neal Morse Band) - Keyboards & Drums
Guest Musicians:
John Elefante(Kansas, Mastedon), Rey Parra(Sacred Warrior, Deny The Fallen), and Eric Gillette - Vocals on "Revelation Song"
Jim LaVerde(Barren Cross) - Bass
Eric Gillette(Neal Morse Band) - Keyboards & Drums
Guest Musicians:
John Elefante(Kansas, Mastedon), Rey Parra(Sacred Warrior, Deny The Fallen), and Eric Gillette - Vocals on "Revelation Song"