Every so often a new artist comes along with a debut album that not only raises eyebrows, but curiosity in that the songs are so perfectly matched with the talent. In TYCE’s case, with the release of his debut Broadway Records album, HERO (March 10), his voice is perfectly in sync with the celebratory music and lyrics of noted-Meat Loaf-collaborator Jim Steinman.

No ordinary talent would ever dare to record such treasured songs as “Holding Out For A Hero,” “Total Eclipse Of The Heart,” “I’m Gonna’ Love Her For Both Of Us,” and “Braver Than We Are,” without the imprimatur of wordsmith Steinman, who was catapulted to international fame and renown with the debut album from Meat Loaf, Bat Out Of Hell.

Tyce is the first male vocalist to have recorded with Steinman since Meat Loaf. Adds Tyce, “I also fit Jim’s original vision of a young blond, honorable, noble-boy that he first had in mind when he wrote Bat Out Of Hell.”

Bravely produced and boldly re-imagined by Zak Lloyd (with Tony Heyes as executive producer and Nicky James as producer), with Steinman’s blessing, the album features nine Steinman-tracks, plus seven bonus tracks. Don’t be fooled, these tunes perfectly balance Steinman’s original vigor with a twist of modern.

Tyce first met Jim Steinman after honoring him at a special concert in New York City. A surprise performance followed, with Tyce receiving a standing ovation after singing “Bat Out of Hell” in its 9-minute 51-second entirety in the original key: the first time the song was ever officially performed live since the Meat Loaf rendition. From there, it was kismet and a new interpreter of Steinman was born and reborn, for Jim.
Steinman called Tyce’s performance “brilliantly virtuosic!!” and terms Tyce’s performance on the album: “It was like you wrestled with a fire-breathing dragon and came out on top!!!”