TANKARD
“HYMNS FOR THE DRUNK”
Album Review By Lloyd Parkinson
8/10
Since unifying (presumably over a beer) in 1982, Tankard have always been up there with bands like Sodom and Kreator and part of the Teutonic big 4. The band have now released their seventieth album which is a collective of tracks that celebrates the time they spent with their record label; AFM Records. Tankard have an impressive legacy within the Teutonic Thrash Metal scene and it’s brilliant to see them carrying on churning out new albums for dedicated old fans as well as new ones. There really isn’t any point taking a band like Tankard seriously, the band are all about drinking beers and having fun whilst listening to Metal with your friends. Having said that, the band have progressed throughout their careers and have produced some of the best Teutonic Thrash Metal that the world has seen. And, even though this is a compilation album, it does prove that the band are far from slowing down.
The opening track “Rectifier” is a traditional dose of Thrash Metal that is filled with great riffs and is perfect to get those heads banging. The following two tracks “Need Money for Beer” and “New Liver Please!” resembles the early sound of Megadeth but a lot less technical. With making a reference to Megadeth the forth track changes tact and sounds a lot more like Testament. The fifth track “Die With a Beer in Your Hand” is my favourite track that the band have written. What I particularly like about this track is that it shows that the band can also incorporate a sense of “Rock and Roll” into their full-scale assault of Teutonic Thrash Metal. The following track “We’re Coming Back” changes the tone slightly and is a much more groove filled Hard Rock track which is full of rhythm and catchy riffs that stick in your head. “We Still Drink The Old Ways” is one of the highlights on this album and is track that has caused circle pits all over the world. The triple onslaught of “Zombie Attack”, “(Empty) Tankard” and “The Morning After” is a full scale and savage selection of Thrash Metal that lands a devastating punch. “Zombie Attack” is the most old school sounding track on this album but on the flipside of that “(Empty) Tankard” is the best produced and polished.
Tankard have always just done things their way and expressed their love of having fun through their creative art. Whether you’re completely new to Tankard or only listened to a few of their tracks, this album is a great starting point. Overall “Hymns of The Drunk” is a great compilation and representation of the band’s time with AFM Records. This album is a beer soaked riot that packs a serious punch that the band are using to releasing throughout their impressive 35-year career. The music on this album is as solid as it can be and everything you would expect from Tankard. Instinctively, there are some classics that a dedicated fan would be missing on “Hymns of The Drunk” but Tankard have a comprehensive back catalogue to choose from. Nevertheless, this album is an absolute must have for an alcohol filled Metal party.
Get the beers in.
BAND LINE-UP
Andreas Geremia: Vocals
Andreas Gutjahr: Guitar
Frank Thorwarth: Bass
Olaf Zissel: Drums
TRACKLIST
Rectifier
Need Money For Beer
New Liver Please!
Slipping From Reality
Die With A Beer In Your Hand
We’re Coming Back
We Still Drink The Old Ways
The Beauty And The Beast
Metaltometal
Zombie Attack
(Empty) Tankard
The Morning After
Medley (Alcohol, Puke, Mon Cheri, Wonderful Life)
Octane Warriors
Stay Thirsty!
Time Warp
Rules For Fools
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