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TANKARD
"Pavlov's
Dawgs" (Reaper; 2022)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Unapologetically brutal is what you get when you listen to a Tankard and their release "Pavlov's Dawgs." Straight-forward heavy metal is par for the course when you witness this music of this band.
When you're in the midst of this recording, you are in the Church of Tankard and they are going to tell you their ideals, can I get a hallelujah! If may be obvious that English isn't the singer's first language—they are a German band—but that really doesn't make any difference. They get their point across with no problem.
This band, and this album, are awesome. From the music, to the presentation to the vocals, this is the entire heavy metal package. If you like great music that can and does make your eyes bleed, I suggest give Tankard a try.
With a tankard, of course.
For more information, check out http://www.tankard.org.
"The
Beauty and the Beer" (Locomotive; 2006)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Tankard remember the days when thrash ruled the world. And they want you to remember it, too.
The delghtfully entitled "The Beauty and the Beer" is ten tracks of sheer, unadulterated, unapologetic thrash metal. The CD is so full of galloping guitar riffs, raging vocals and nearly out of control tempos that it seems ready to burst right through your speakers and bash an obviously empty beer stein across the top of your head.
With song titles like "Ice-Olation," "We Still Drink the Old Ways," "Frankfurt: We Need More Beer" and "All You Can Drink," it's no mean feat to guess what the lyrical content might be here, although "Metaltometal" surprises with its earnest metal anthem call-to-action while "Dirty Digger" is a stunning and scathing attack on billionaire Rupert Murdoch.
Those looking to have a little beer and then dive into the nearest mosh pit won't need to look anywhere but "The Beauty and the Beer" to find the soundtrack they're looking for.
For more information, check out http://www.tankard.org.
"Fat,
Ugly and Still (A)Live" DVD (Locomotive; 2006)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
German thrash legends Tankard deliver a double dose of DVD mayhem with "Fat, Ugly and Still (A)Live," a two disc DVD set filled to capacity with the band's trademark rock'n'roll sound.
Disc One is a new live show, recorded in May of 2005, featuring two dozen tracks of Tankard in concert. The band haves a terrific time throughout, delivering surprisingly tight and speedy thrash metal, and the packed-to-the-gills audience does the same. As is this great live performance isn't enough, four music videos and a German language interview with the band (that's why the DVD has optional subtitles) round out Disc One.
Disc Two is nearly two hours of extra footage, most of which is recorded at a very small club where the band gets the opportunity to really bring their music to their fans. Unlike the first disc, the quality here isn't quite professional; it's more like someone with a digital camcorder recorded it -- but that's half the fun. Disc Two feels raw and powerful and energetic. So does Disc One, of course, but in a different, slicker way. Some amusing backstage footage is also included here.
"Fat Ugly and Still (A)Live" is a must have for fans of Tankard and worth a look for any fan of early era style thrash metal.
For more information, check out http://www.tankard.org.
"Kings
of Beer" (Locomotive; 2000)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Tankard. What a great name for a band and, when you witness the barely controlled chaotic mayhem of "Kings of Beer," you understand that you are experiencing a truly unique band.
"King of Beers" was originally released in 2000 but has been remastered and now features bonus content (a cover of Metallica's "Damage Inc."). This release may be seven years old but as you listen, you know you've discovered something special.
Tankard's "King of Beers" features the band and their tongue-in-cheek style of music that is pure fun. All you have to do is sit back and listen to get a romping good time in the process.
The music on this CD is outrageous and fun and I cannot wait to check out other releases by Tankard, especially if they are as exciting as this one. What a trip!!
For more information, check out http://www.tankard.org.
"Disco
Destroyer" (Locomotive; 1998)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Tankard not only make no apologies for being pure, balls-to-the-wall speed metal/thrash, with "Disco Destroyer," they take that fact and rub in roughly in your face.
Outrageously fast-paced, roaringly raw and furiously funny, Tankard take the tartness out of any cheese found on tracks like "Hard Rock Dinosaur," "Mr. Superlover," "Death By Whips," "Tankard Roach Motel," and the title track with a solid dose of tongue-in-cheek humor. Not that the lyrics really matter much; it's the pedal-to-the-metal rock'n'roll that's the point here and Tankard have no problems in delivering that.
Originally released in 1998, "Disco Destroyer," even in this re-mastered re-release, still sounds a little underproduced. Perhaps that was intentional. In addition, this re-release contains "Fast Taker," a cover of the Manowar song, that Tankard makes their own.
Tankard: Andreas 'Gerre' Geremia; Andy Bulgaropulos; Frank Thorwarth; Olaf Zissel.
For more information, check out www.tankard.org.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2023 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
