Toys That Bite—You Have Been Warned: Big Riffs, Bigger Hooks, No Apologies

Review By Glen Parkes

There’s no mistaking what Toys That Bïte is about. On their debut album, You Have Been Warned, the band delivers a shot of straight-ahead heavy rock that wears its influences proudly while refusing to get stuck in the past. For fans of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, and Dio, this is familiar territory—but it’s powered by sharp songwriting and modern bite rather than nostalgia alone.

From the opening title track, Toys That Bite make their intentions clear. “Toys That Bïte” hits hard with twin-guitar muscle, a driving tempo, and a chorus built for fists in the air. It’s confident, punchy, and instantly memorable, setting the tone for an album that understands the value of a great hook. That confidence is no accident; despite being a debut, You Have Been Warned sounds like the work of a band who know exactly who they are.

Tracks like “Genius Level Stupid” and “Last Train To Hell” tap into life’s universally bad decisions with humour and self-awareness, pairing sharp lyrics with riffs that refuse to let up. There’s a tongue-in-cheek edge running throughout the album, giving it personality without ever undermining its weight. “Hit That Like” takes a knowing swipe at online bravado, while “Pour Me A Whisky” closes the record on a last-orders singalong that feels tailor-made for sweaty venues and shouted choruses.

One of the album’s standout moments is “Gentlemen’s Club”, which balances groove and grit with effortless swagger. It’s heavy rock that doesn’t overcomplicate things, relying instead on tight arrangements and a chorus that demands audience participation. That crowd-first mentality runs through the entire record, making it clear this music is designed to be played loud and shared.

Recorded at Axe & Trap Studios in Somerset with Ben Turner and mastered by Romesh Dodangoda in Wales, the production is polished without sanding down the band’s edge. Every riff lands with impact; every chorus hits its mark.

Released via Dr Johns Surgery Records in March 2026, You Have Been Warned is a debut that feels fully formed—proof that Toys That Bïte aren’t testing the waters. They’re diving straight in and daring you not to shout back.

Toys That Bite are:

Adam “AJ” Stanley – Vocals
Karl Bauers – Guitars and Backing Vocals
Dave Rivett – Guitars and Backing Vocals
Jason “Shep” Sheppard – Bass
Terry “Tezza” Anderson – Drums

Connect with Toys That Bite:

. Official Website: https://www.toysthatbite.com/
. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091563254659
. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toysthatbiteband/
. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toys_that_bite
. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@toysthatbiteband