Ok, Iīm not one to be hung up on image but I have to wonder whatīs up with the band? One look at the back cover is enough to turn any 80s metal head off. I thought the picture was a mix-up with the Foo Fighters or Green Day. Anyways, musically it sounds like TNT brought into the 90s. No more lightweight fluff here, this is the band that has gotten heavier and a bit darker (but no less melodic). Theyīve also become more riff oriented (like the bands named above) and not so dependent on the "lead guitar" sound that dominated their80s material. Opener "Just Like God" simply kicks ass. An almost thrashy number, itīs one of the most perfect album openers Iīve heard in some time and is a great introduction to where the band is now musically. Fllow up "Wide Awake" sounds more like the TNT of olf mixed with an Enuff Zīnuff-like pop sound that is both addictive and compelling. Ditto for theawesome "Because I Love You" in which TONY HARNELL sounds simply great and RONNI LE TEKRO lets loose with some shredding riffs. Itīs songs like "Crashing Down" or "The Whole Youīre In" that may throw off some old time fans. Again, they have a very power pop feel mixed with their old sound. But, they also have a very modern edge to it that personally I think sounds great as the songs come across more as, well, pure songs. TNT has done an admiral job of updating their sound without selling out to the modern age. Bravo...and itīs an excellent disc to boot.
DAILY VAULT: August 1999
It might be hard to recognize that "Transistor" symbolizes another comeback for Norwayīs 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 TEKRO, bassist MORTY BLACK and drummer FRODE HANSEN - have been slugging it out for the better part of two decades, though their exposure in America hasnīt been the greatest. Their reunion in 1996 hasnīt 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, Iīll freely admit that Iīve not followed TNT that closely over the years; I think the only album of theirs I own is "Intuition", and I canīt remember the last time I listened to it. So I entered "Transistor" stone cold, with no expectations - and in a way, thatīs not a bad approach to thsi album.
HARNELL, an American singer fronting a Norwegian 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 TEKROīs 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, isnīt the strongest way to start this journey - once yourīre locked in, you wonīt 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 theyīre 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 bandīs 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.
Reviewed by: Christopher Thelen
There is now much to tells about reforming of TNT, that was waited for 4 years after the breaking up. Various
powers of the market worked for this surprising meeting.
According to ex-bassist in TNT, MORTEN SKAGET, itīs still unclear which members are involved in the reforming.
But thereīs of course a lot reason to be believed that bassist SKAGET, guitarist TEKRØ and vocalist HARNELL are
obviously in the new version of TNT. Now TNT has had 3 musicians, and not sure who can play the drums.
MORTEN SKAGET has besides many irons in the fire at the moment. With his own new-started company INTRO MUSIC
(IM), he takes an aim to present new artists in the industry. INTRO MUSICīs first publication is found under the
rock/alternative genre, like for example BAD HABITZ. He is also working in VAGABOND and projects with TERJE RYPDAL.
DAGBLADET: June 1996
Next weekend, TNTīs American vocalist TONY HARNELL comes to Norway. In Toten, he meets guitarist TEKRØ and
bassist MORTEN SKAGET, or MORTY BLACK whom he was called in the heavy metalīs golden days. Theyīre going to get a
guest drummer. If everything goes on schedule, the new album will appear in autumn and tours after the Christmas.
It was the Japanese market that has got TNT from the grave. Three of the biggest record companies in Japan,
TBK, JVC and Polygram competed to get the signs from the Norwegain rock band. "We payed attention to a stable and
increasing interest for our old songs", says TEKRØ.
Itīs ALF WIGEN who conducts the distributions with the Japanese companies. He reckons with a contract clear
in a few week. "I cannot say how much big amount of money is a matter of quetion. But so far TNT can sale 100,000
of the new album in Japan and the same big numbers in the rest of east-Asia, we of course donīt speak about small
amont of money", tells WIGEN. He believes also South-America, USA and South-Europe will receive TNTīs comeback in
a good way.
Itīs a known matter that the relationship between vocalist HARNELL and guitarist TEKRØ was not especially good
when TNT broke in 1992. But the time seems to heal every wound. Besides, both HARNELLīs solo career in the states
or TEKRØīs VAGABOND-project were not so successful.
"Little bit disappointed that VAGABOND has not sold more. The market was hopeless at that time", he tells.
Now he hopes that the old heavy metal band TNT will give him new success. "In Japan, the heavy music keeps doing
very well and according to my opinion, itīs just a question of the time before the hard rock becomes big again.
Just wait for a good weather", says optimist TEKRØ from his own base in Toten.
OPPLAND ARBEIDERBLADET: June 1996
The hardrock group TNT has gathered members since the breaking up that happened in 1992. Next week, the work
starts with a new album that is for the Japanese market, but afterwards, itīs supposed to launch in Europe and USA.
The new material will be both written and produced in Toten. "The market is good condition for TNTīs comeback",
says CARSTEN JØSSUND from the management company WIGEN PARTNERS AS.
TNT broke in 1992 after internal troubles and moderate CD sales. The bandīs departure-concert for the home
fans at Toten Hotel indicated the end of the rock legend that started in 1982, and culminated in the successed year
1987. TNT sold 100,000 examples of "TELL NO TALES" only in Norway, and got "Spellemannsprosen" for the contribution.
In USA, they reached to 66th place in the Billboard list with "10,000 Lovers (in one)", and sold a half million
albums in the world basis. This time, the rockers from Toten got the biggest sale-success in foreign countries
after A-HA. "People has almost forgot TNT for a long time", says JØSSUND. "Three weeks ago, I was in Japan to
check the condition, and both the fans and the record companies were wild with enthusiasm. The old heavy-rock is
continuously big there, and it is not impossible that the new TNT album could sale 100,000 examples".
Vocalist TONY HARNELL comes to Toten next thursday to start the jobb with the new album. Both song-writing and
recording will go on at STUDIO STUDIO NYHAGEN that is owned by RONNI LE TEKRØ and DAG STOKKE. The releasing date is
unknown, but just wait for the finished result. Itīll be discussed in Japan to release the CD in autumn. "It seems
that TNT appeared in the home country in the near future, but we intend to do a big Japan tour in 1997".
After the breaking of TNT, RONNI LE TEKRØ formed VAGABOND. He felt compromises with the TNTīs music styles
because of stable sales in the TNTīs period. So he found the new concept, but VAGABOND didnīt hit properly. The
last release "A HUGE FAN OF LIFE" has hardly sold in spite of good reviews from the international music press. Now
he turns into the new direction and hopes bigger success.
"Itīs obvious that there is a lot of money here", says JØSSUND. "Japan first, and maybe USA and Europe. TNT
is still the king for many CD buyers". TNT in the year of 1996 will not be essentially different from the style in
the success years. RONNI LE TEKRØ , TONY HARNELL; MORTEN SKAGET has been basic members since 1984, and DAG STOKKE
is periodical keyboardist. "The boys donīt do it just for the money", says JØSSUND. "They first of all, would like
to play together again." Not sure if TNTīs comeback will reach Norwegian CD-shelf, but the management WIGEN PARTNERS
has also responsibility for Raufoss-band CONCEPTION. Maybe double-tour can happen in 1997.
DAGBLADET: August 1996
"It was good to know that many people hate for this TNTīs comeback", mentions vocalist TONY HARNELL. TNT -sniff
at the name, and a strong fragrance of 80s that makes you offended by all accounts. Cascades of screeming guitars,
roaring drums, high vocals and loudness that invoked knot both in Toten and Tokyo. But at the same time, TNT stands
generally as the successful band in USA after A-HA. In 1996 - the year when the metalīs funeral is nearer than ever
- TNTīs comeback is realized.
"The Gods smiled to us in the 80s. Now we hope that they are on our side again", smiles TONY HARNELL. He is
back to Toten for the first time in 4 years. After TNTīs dissolution, he has stayed home in New York and recorded
solo album. Together with guitarist RONNI LE TEKRØ and bassist MORTEN SKAHET, he has decided to revive TNT. The
bandīs earlier drummer, MORTEN DIESEL DAHL is still busy with his own business. But FRODE HANSEN from Brumunddal
has come instead.
The comeback in Norway comes of course as a result of that you are without money? "Not at all! I have not been
broke in 15 years", roars TEKRØ. "Why does everyone in Norway ask about it. Nobody would come with such a question
in the states", mentions HARNELL. After having changed grant that money is of importance at the same time. "Itīs
ok to earn tension", says TEKRØ.
TNT was huge in 80s. In 1987, sold the album"TELL NO TALES" over 100,000 examples here in Norway. The band
was ranked on the Billboard-list and toured Europe, Asia and USA. In the last mentioned continent, played in front
of 20,000 people every evening. But the last breakthrough lacked. And so a day came NIRVANA.
"The day MTV played "Smells Like Teen Spirit" for the first time, out type of music was dead and buried", says
HARNELL.
"We had a fighting both phisically and mentally, but forgot everything now. Besides: Kurt Cobain is dead -
weīre alive", TEKRØ asserts in a serious way. A renewed interest for the bandīs old CDs, not only in Japan, has
caught in the comeback CD. In these days, TNT records a new album at RONNIīs studio in Toten.
"Our new album is ultramodern, if you ask me. We make rock for 1999. We have been litle in arrears once, so
now we are ready to be ahead of the common people in the music world again", preaches RONNI. The album that is
launched over the world, probably in December, doesnīt become something like gust from 80s.
"Itīs naive to believe that we have not improved ourselves since then. We have for one thing, got a drummer
who gives our music a new dimention. In addition, I donīt sing "up there" anymore", smiles TONY. Nobody needs
to be anxious about that TNT has sold out in 90s.
"TNT is back", concludes HARNELL.
ADRESSEAVISEN: December 1996
Our type of music died on the day when MTV showed NIRVANAīs "Smell Like Teen Spirit" for the first time", smiles
TONY HARNELL. With two arms, two feet and shorter hair than before, he has a new try with TNT. On this evening,
they play on TV and next week, their new CD is coming.
TONY HARNELL is afraid that it does not sound enough with TNT on the new-year-show from Olavshallen. "Itīs like
a variety show from hell", he describes the show for an American pal. 1997-version of TNT will present "Angels Ride"
from the new CD "FIREFLY" whichi will be in Norwegian stores on 7. January.
"Ibelieve people will get a visual and sound shock", he says,"I will assert that we sound new, but not trendy.
We sound like 97-version of TNT. Iīve made the voice almost an octave lower. I think I just sing 4 high notes on
the new CD. Everyone knows I can sing high now", he smiles self-ironic. But not everyone notice his high voice and
sing-style as a good point on former TNT editions.
Actually we would see the whole band, but RONNI is still on the way up here from Toten. The band is trio now,
with MORTEN SKAGET as anchor member. Lose member and drummer is FRODE HANSEN from JACK IN THE BOX (that has changed
name to AUTOPULVER). Exactly for 1 year ago, RONNI LE TEKRØ said to Adresseavisen that a new cooperation between
him and HARNELL would be like NEIL YOUNG and HALL & OATES.
HARNELL doesnīt make a secret that the life in TNT hasnīt just be cozy company. "Iīve talked much with RONNI
about what this would be", says HARNELL who has released a solo-CD. "Actually I was convinced that I never sing with
TNT again", he says. Why are you back? "We made a few good albums, but nothing became big. One of the reasons was
the distance between us. They didnīt want to move to USA and I didnīt want to move to Norway. It became hard.
Usually we spent 2-3 years for every CD. The new one we wrote in one month in RONNIīs studio in Toten. It sounds
more spontaneous than what we have done. I just hope the record company does not choose the CD jacket. I saw today".
What will you attain with 97-TNT? "Accept. Respect. I hope old fans will accept what we do now and maybe somebody
who havenīt heard or liked us before, can give ears to us. If you buy a CD with 2 good songs for today, I feel almost
that I get value for the money. So seldom it is. Itīs more than 2 good songs on "FIREFLY", says TONY HARNELL.
PULS: January 1997
"We donīt pursue art, we just play freely", says the guitar phantom from Toten. Now youīll get the truth,
""Month Of Sundays" is some of the most brilliant Iīve heard; the complete, straight through original clone of
AEROSMITH "Amazing" and MANIC STREET PREACHERS "Motorcycle Emptiness"". ...And the short guitar solo? "Donīt come
here and tell me that you donīt remember what GEORGE HARRISON did with "Something". We have good tradition.
Guarantee theteīs no better pop/rock song coming out here for the year 1997. In addition, "Month Of Sundays" and
"Firefly" are much better than we recognize from the 80s. Here the every element that will be on a proper metal-CD is
found, but also much more. Somebody told me that TNT would come up with a real modern CD. But itīs like: the very
tough riffs, hair rising guitar olays like YNGWIE MALMSTEENīs surprising ingenuity in arrangement and lead melody".
...Iīm coming to see you all at the first possible chance, TekrE And now, Iīll have this bomber and grenades!
Ok, Iīm not one to be hung up on image but I have to wonder whatīs up with the band? One look at the back cover is enough to turn any 80s metal head off. I thought the picture was a mix-up with the Foo Fighters or Green Day. Anyways, musically it sounds like TNT brought into the 90s. No more lightweight fluff here, this is the band that has gotten heavier and a bit darker (but no less melodic). Theyīve also become more riff oriented (like the bands named above) and not so dependent on the "lead guitar" sound that dominated their80s material. Opener "Just Like God" simply kicks ass. An almost thrashy number, itīs one of the most perfect album openers Iīve heard in some time and is a great introduction to where the band is now musically. Fllow up "Wide Awake" sounds more like the TNT of olf mixed with an Enuff Zīnuff-like pop sound that is both addictive and compelling. Ditto for theawesome "Because I Love You" in which TONY HARNELL sounds simply great and RONNI LE TEKRO lets loose with some shredding riffs. Itīs songs like "Crashing Down" or "The Whole Youīre In" that may throw off some old time fans. Again, they have a very power pop feel mixed with their old sound. But, they also have a very modern edge to it that personally I think sounds great as the songs come across more as, well, pure songs. TNT has done an admiral job of updating their sound without selling out to the modern age. Bravo...and itīs an excellent disc to boot.
...under construction...
