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Tankard - Vo(l)ume 14

Label: AFM
Format: CD download
Released: 2011
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 7.5/ 10


Despite the alcoholic reference and artwork, the lyrical output has more in common with Billy (M.O.D.) Milano’s cynical/comical takes on serious subject matter; see the easy riffing and short solo of ‘Black Plague’ (BP oil disaster) or ‘The Agency’ (Wall Street/international financial disasters). The truth lies somewhere between the guffaws. While considered contemporaries of the Teutonic Thrash trio, Tankard is not about brutal power and always includes a little groove. This album begins with a subdued, acoustic guitar intro, outro, and includes the nearly a cappella end to 'Condemnation', where truth doesn't get in the way of a good story, be it print media, tabloid/reality television or on the web (YouTube, Twitter, podcast, etc.) "You're guilty in the eyes of the public. They don't care what judges say."

 

At the same time they skewer ‘fans’ on ‘Brain Piercing Of Death’. From a misguided, pierced-to-the-max fan’s perspective: "I need a piercing ring first class, something no one else has. I need this I want this, a brain piercing of death”. Then Tankard takes on speed metal dating, (‘Becks In The City’): "She is a metal fan, long hair, tattoos and piercings. She has a lot of friends and parties in the evening. But she's a lonely girl, no one who really loves her. Dreaming of the perfect world, with a boy who's never sober. Speed metal dating, come in and free your minds. Looking for the real thing, matchmaking for freaks.” Elsewhere, there’s ‘Rules For Fools’ recounting the mistakes neophyte bands make on tour (#1 over indulgence in alcohol!) and a spirited 7:24, disc ending ‘Weekend Warriors’ fades out to a jangly (nearly acoustic) guitar and whispered chorus. Initial release will also include an hour long DVD from the Headbangers’ Open Air '09 festival.

Not the same old vintage!

 
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