ALBUM REVIEW: 17 albums in and Tankard just keep getting better

IT's a long way from 1982 through to 2017, and for any band with that longevity one could reasonably expect that for their 17th album could be jaded and without much development. However, when it comes to Tankard that's definitely not the case on 'One Foot In The Grave'.

Instead they have elevated their own creativity that bit further. How? Tackling societal issues through humour is one aspect. The production of Martin Buchwalter is another.

The German thrashers have taken their familiar template, well worn over 35 years of "alcoholic thrash", and upped it a notch.

As always the music is full faced thrash, balls out and bursting with energy. There is nothing particularly new about it, but this time Tankard seem to have focussed on the power than just stringing riffs together, such as 'Don't Bullshit Us', which goes along like a rhino charging a rival.

The lyrical theme of that track, together with 'Syrian Nightmare' 'Pay To Pray' (the line about Jesus's back stage pass...), 'Arena of the True Lies' and the title track tackle a society so fucked up that the only way to confront it is with anger, humour and throwing the absurdity of ideology back in its face.

Gerre sounds like one angry man throughout, although measured in his fury, such as on 'One Foot In The Grave' that builds quickly into a rage filled track.

Andi, Frank and Olaf seem to be ever more tightly linked rather than has been the occasion once or twice before more akin to ploughing their own paths. Andi in particular sounds as if he wished to use the guitar lines to mirror the lyrical rage.

There are times that the songs have an element of brooding menace such as on 'Northern Crown (Lament of the Undead King)'. But, of course there had to be a song about beer...

'Secret Order 1516' may have an orchestral introduction, with choral chants and horns, but this seven minute plus epic has the appropriate pompousness of a song about drinking. "Fight for our liquid gold" indeed.

What keeps 'One Foot In The Grave' working throughout all 10 tracks is within the thrash assault there are always little surprises in approach. No more a cult band Tankard's 17th effort is a triumph that should see them finally achieve the acclaim from the more mainstream listeners.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

'One Foot In The Grave' is out now on Nuclear Blast

NEWS: Tankard release studio trailer for 'One Foot In The Grave'

THREE decades and then some…When cult thrashers Tankard are torn out their winter’s sleep, it has to be for a valid reason:  It is their jubilee year! 35 years of Tankard!

And, of course, a suitable soundtrack cannot be missed. That's why Gerre and co. went on a long journey to Troisdorf, together with producer Martin Buchwalter (Destruction, Suidakra), to record their 17th studio album entitled ‘One Foot In The Grave’ at Gernhard Studio. The album is scheduled to be released on June 2nd 2017 via Nuclear Blast.

Today, the band has published a studio trailer in which you can have a look behind the scenes of the record's production. In addition, you may also listen to the very first song snippets. Watch it at the end of this post.

Vocalist Gerre said: "Yes, we are old, but even as the album title suggests - this is not the end! It was really exciting to finally work together with Martin Buchwalter, whom we've already known for like 100 years!

 “He demanded everything from us and we are very confident that this album is going to be amazing! As usual with Tankard, we had the huge pressure of time for song writing and our nerves were on edge. But the effort was all worth it! We really hope you will like the album just as much as we do! Cheers to the next 35 years!"

More info coming soon - stay tuned!

The story of Tankard is an exceptional one: the thrash metal force from Frankfurt, Germany has been around since the early 80's, spearheading a wave of German thrash bands who became successful worldwide (Kreator,Destruction, Sodom...). And while a lot of other bands struggled, split up or came back for reunions, Tankard never had these problems. They have always been there. And they've kept their worldwide fan base for all of these years, delivering strong album after strong album. When you think of beer and thrash metal, the name Tankard is the resounding response.

NEWS: Tankard prepare for follow up to RIB

LEGENDARY German alcohol soaked thrash metal act Tankard are currently working on the follow up to their highly acclaimed 2014 album, ‘R.I.B.’.

The guys entered Gernhart Studios in Troisdorf with producer Martin Buchwalter (Destruction, Accuser, Perzonal War, Suidakra, etc.) earlier this month.

The guitars, bass and drums are already done – and right now Gerre is lending his voice to the soundtrack of their 35th anniversary!

Vocalist Gerre said: "At the moment I have 7 songs ready! It's a great pleasure to work with Martin for the very first time! He really kicks my ass, so I have a lot of work to do! I really look forward to having a great result to celebrate our 35th birthday with, in a reasonable way! Senile with style!"

The band has unveiled more details on their new album: the record is planned for a 2017 spring/summer release via Nuclear Blast and will be called ‘One Foot In The Grave’.

The cover artwork will once again be created by Patrick Strogulski, who's a student of Sebastian Krüger, the recent artwork designer of Tankard. More info coming soon... stay tuned!

Their current album 'R.I.B.' (Rest In Beer) was released June 20, 2014 via Nuclear Blast.

You can order your copy here. 

More on 'R.I.B.'
'Fooled By Your Guts' Official Video 
Making Of 'Fooled By Your Guts' Video
'R.I.B.' Official Video 
Album Trailer    

The story of Tankard is an exceptional one: the thrash metal force from Frankfurt, Germany has been around since the early 80's, spearheading a wave of German thrash bands who became successful worldwide (Kreator,Destruction, Sodom...).

And while a lot of other bands struggled, split up or came back for reunions, Tankard never had these problems. They have always been there. And they've kept their worldwide fan base for all of these years, delivering strong album after strong album. When you think of beer and thrash metal, the name Tankard is the resounding response.