RoD header

Translate


Title: Vol(l)ume 14
Artist: Tankard
Genre: Thrash Metal
Release Date: 17th December 2010
Label: AFM Records



Album Review

TANKARD are one of the ancients (at least by modern time) who began their career in the early 80s alongside other thrash greats such as METALLICA and SLAYER. So listeners should expect a similar styling. Over the years, TANKARD have kept their music pretty similar, not really experimenting or delving into strange territory by keeping along the lines of the same kind of gritty thrash (but not too gritty) and embracing the whole heavy metal spirit of drinking and having a good time. Some fans have felt it’s gotten old, but many have also felt that it has still become very enjoyable after twenty years. And today, in 2010, it apparently still is. These old thrashers are still chugging along and their latest album, ‘Vol(l)ume 14’, their aptly titled fourteenth album still embodies their music of their debut.

The album opens with ‘Time Warp’ which brings back memories of the 80s thrash with a harmonic introduction before blasting into the energetic riffs with plenty of melody that defines the genre. The vocals sound a bit winded but that adds effect to the old school sound, from the chugging riffs to tapping drums. ‘Fat Snatchers’ has a great rhythm to it that sounds like the ultimate march, even if the lyrics are a bit silly. The solo definitely makes it worth it. ‘Somewhere In Nowhere’ is a great melodic thrash track that hits hard and fast with crunching rhythms that rise and fall. ‘Brain Piercing Death’ has an excellent chugging format similar to earlier METALLICA, but again, the lyrics are meant more in fun than seriously. “Condemnation” is another thrash cruncher but the repetitive lyrics leave more to be desired. Thankfully, the closing track ‘Weekend Warriors’ is the best way to end the album with its great slow moments near the end and lengthy solo that breaks from the whole chugging format that always tended to get on everyone’s nerves. It is a balance between heavy and melodic all the way to the sombre end which ends in whispers.

Overall, TANKARD’s new album is more of the same, but it is what the fans and the band desire after so long. If it’s not broken don’t fix it! New fans to the group will obviously enjoy the thrash aspects, but may feel the lyrics are a bit overused. Still, it is no excuse to call this a bad album. Basically, if one is fan of the older days- 80s and early 90s- then this will certainly appeal. For those who are more used to modern groove thrash, it may take some more time to get used to this.


Tracklist

01. Time Warp - 06:01
02. Rules For Fools - 03:55
03. Fat Snatchers (The Hippo Effect) - 05:12
04. Black Plague (BP) - 04:24
05. Somewhere In Nowhere - 04:09
06. The Agency - 05:04
07. Brain Piercing Öf Death - 04:20
08. Beck`s In The City - 03:29
09. Condemnation - 06:23
10. Weekend Warriors - 07:25


Line-up

Andreas "Gerre" Geremia - Vocals
Andy Gutjahr – Guitars
Frank Thorwarth - Bass
Olaf Zissel - Drums


Website

http://www.tankard.info/


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 7
Sound: 6
Extras: -
Total: 6.5 / 10


{jos_sb_discuss:19}

Comments powered by CComment