𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…
37 years ago this month, Tankard told us to “Thrash ‘Til Death”!
In July 1986, Tankard released their debut full-length studio album, “Zombie Attack” via Noise Records in Europe (Combat Records in the US).
Background:
It’s been 36 years since Teutonic Thrashers Tankard released their debut "Zombie Attack". Long since it’s release, the band have become infamous for their songs centering primarily on alcohol reverence. With the exception of two tracks on this album, (which are drinking anthems; “Alcohol” and “(Empty) Tankard”), “Zombie Attack” is further from this aesthetic. As evidenced by titles like “Thrash 'Till Death”, “Acid Death”, “Maniac Forces” and “Screamin' Victims”, their songs were more focused on death and violence, like their Teutonic counterparts.
Musically, "Zombie Attack" does resemble other great Teutonic Thrashers of the era, like Destruction and Kreator, with an underlying American Hardcore Punk influence. Gerre’s vocals are also in the same vein as those of Schmier’s and Mille’s, while Tankard also utilizes gang vocals similar to those of Bay Area Thrashers like Testament and Exodus. Guitarists Axel Katzmann and Andy Bulgaropulos also play fast and frantic rhythms much like their Teutonic Thrash brethren.
Alongside Kreator, Destruction and Sodom, Tankard has often been considered one of the "Big Four" of Teutonic Thrash Metal. Following “Zombie Attack” Tankard’s releases differ thematically from the remaining "Big Teutonic Four", who were all known for covering such related topics as death, politics, violence and anti-fascism. Henceforth, this is why Tankard have become known as the “fun band” of Teutonic Thrash, even with “Zombie Attack’s” clearer focus on death, destruction and of course, zombies, the music is loud, fast, Thrashin’… and is still a whole lotta fun! So, if you haven’t heard Tankard or their debut, be sure to check them out, especially if you’re a big fan of early Thrash Metal. — E.N. Wells
Noteworthy:
The albums title track is still a staple in Tankard’s live show, along with “(Empty) Tankard” and “Maniac Forces”.
The album was re-released in a set with another Tankard album, “Chemical Invasion”, in 2005.
Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:
Click this link to listen to “Zombie Attack/ Chemical Invasion (2005 Re-issue)” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/chemical-invasion-zombie-attack-2005-remastered-version/1143256239
Click this link to listen to “Zombie Attack” via Spotify: Zombie Attack https://open.spotify.com/album/7mzAwBGhJ7rKSDDtaFyLCc
Click this link to follow Tankard on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tankardofficial
Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells
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