Tankard - R.I.B.

Thrash Metal
Nuclear Blast
2014










1. War Cry
2. Fooled By Your Guts
3. R.I.B. (Rest In Beer)
4. Riders Of The Doom
5. Hope Can't Die
6. No One Hit Wonder
7. Breakfast For Champions
8. Enemy Of Order
9. Clockwise To Deadline
10. The Party Ain't Over 'Til We Say So

Well, what is there to say about a new Tankard release? Obviously I expect progressive thinking man's metal album with maybe some neoclassical virtuso guitar. I jest of course. Tankard are the ultimate working man's thrash band, constantly staying true to their roots and just making some nice heavy music with fairly goofy, fun lyrical content. I've always enjoyed the band as they are one of the the most consistent thrash bands out there and just come up with a lot of fun yet heavy material. Tankard have never backed off the thrash and and I admire how they have successfully stuck to their guns for so long.

The thing about R.I.B. is I expected straight forward thrash and that's what I got, but there are some serious problems here. I'm fine with direct speedy thrash if it sells itself on it's heaviness, riffs, and vocal intensity, but overall R.I.B. just doesn't quite get the job done. The bulk of this album sounds like it's really running on fumes as the music just doesn't have a lot of energy and the vocals often come off as too subdued. Honestly, it sounds a little phoned in and like the band didn't have their hearts in it. The sort of album that's released just to have an album. It sounds like Tankard basically, but it has no fire. Songs like No One Hit Wonder, Breakfast For Champions, Enemy Of Order, and The Party Ain't Over Till We Say So just don't end up leaving much of an impression. They just kind of settle into one repetitive rhythm and that might be fine if it was a particularly catchy or heavy one, but I just don't hear anything imaginative or intense about them. I get, as I said in the intro of this review, that Tankard isn't meant to be brain food, but I want some killer riffs and rhythms that make me want to bang my head at least and these just come up short. Then at other times when the music does pick up it just seems to get chaotic like on War Cry where Gerre where Gerre can't seem to keep the pace of the music with his vocals or R.I.B. which seems a bit sloppy in it's use of monastic style chanting and similarly erratic approach.

At this point I'm talking about a lot of the album which is just unimpressive or a tad confused, but there are at least a few good thrash tunes to be found here that seem to come about when the vocal performance marries up to the music better than the bulk of the album. Overall, I'd say Hope Can't Die is my favorite here. It's not a barn burner in it's somewhat paced approach, but the rhythm is headbandable and the song features the best vocal performance here. I dig the semi-melodic approach here that sells the song as being kind of fun and catchy. Riders Of The Doom also just comes together well as the vocals have a certain intensity to them and the music keeps it heavy yet with a nice coherent rhythm that Gerre has no problems shouting along to with a good punch. Clockwise To Deadline is also worth noting as a faster one that gets it right letting the music take over to shred, but with a steady rhythm that leaves the vocals with room to breathe.

Overall, I can't say this is Tankard's strongest effort. The bulk of this either doesn't have the intensity to sell it or tries too hard to be intense and ends up sounding confused. Maybe a middle road is in order here and only a few tracks Really get it right. This album also just doesn't seem to have the addictive rhythms or Fun sort of choruses that sell me on the band and that has to be a disappointment. This might be worth it for hardcore Tankard fans, but to the general thrash fan I'd say this is mostly pretty average stuff. Third tier sort of thrash that makes for a few good tunes, but not really an overall solid album. Really, too much of this is mediocre for me to give this much of a rating despite a few good songs. It's still Tankard and their sound isn't bad, but the songs aren't quite there.

Highlights: Hope Can't Die, Riders Of The Doom, Clockwise To Deadline

Rating - 3.0/5

The Best Metal Albums of 2012

With the cream of the crap out of the way (The Worst of Metal Albums of 2012) it's on to the best of 2012. Pretty self expanatory. These are my top 25 metal albums released in 2012, counting down to number one.

25. Hour of 13 - 333

"Basically, what we have here is classic sounding doom metal drawing on some old school influences while utilizing some nice groove guitar and plenty of dark atmosphere."

Read the review

24. Brendon Small - Brendon Small's Galaktikon

"There's an almost stoner vibe to this at times fueled by his vocal style and some groovier moments, but the music is also unmistakably progressive. I dig the mix and I can't say I've ever really heard a soundalike for what he's doing here."

Read the review

23. Hideweaver - Silver Bullet
"Hideweaver are an up and comer that I would say is worth keeping an eye on. Always nice to hear some new blood doing power metal well."

Read the review

22. Castle - Blacklands

"Listening to Blacklands I can't help but think this sounds kind of like the soundtrack to some 70s/80s occult/satanist themed horror movie."

Read the review

21. Orange Goblin - A Eulogy For The Damned

"I find myself enjoying this album more than anything they've done since Coup De Grace, the album that got me into the band back in my college radio days. The grooves here are just massive and make my head want to move. Kind of the epitome of just doing your sound well."

Read the review

20. Lacuna Coil - Dark Adrenaline

"It's not a perfect album and I'd love them to have more of their old sound, but I've also kind of accepted the newer version. Metal? That's debatable. Good? I have no real debate with that. I'd say Dark Adrenaline is their best release since they did go more mainstream."

Read the review

19. Doro - Raise Your Fist

"Raise Your Fist is pretty well represented by it's title as this album is all about straight up fist pumping anthems. Short and sweet tracks that are really about rocking out and have a somewhat retro feel to them."

Read the review

18. Running Wild - Shadowmaker

"I can't say that Shadowmaker is Everything I wanted, but it is more than I expected and a good album. It is also probably the best of their more mid-paced albums. Expect more Victory/The Brotherhood than Black Hand Inn/Pile Of Skulls and this is an enjoyable listen."

Read the review

17. Threshold - March Of Progress

"In terms of frontman changes this one seems pretty seamless and comes off without a real hitch. If you like Threshold's brand of progressive with a strong focus on melody and memorable songs then there's just no reason not to like this in my book."

Read the review

16. Liv Moon - Symphonic Moon

"If you like Symphonic metal with operatic touches to the vocals and aren't opposed to something just a little quirky with Japanese lyrics than check it out. I personally enjoy an album like this when I'm feeling like something a little outside the norm."

Read the review

15. Crimson Cult - Tales Of Doom

"What this band brings to the table is a great no frills power sound grounded in traditional, while also sounding unique, and even haunting at times. Tales Of Doom just has a nice edge to it without the more melodic power metal sound that seems to be more in style at the moment."

Read the review

14. Oddland - The Treachery Of Senses

"Basically, what we have here is a band doing a heavy slant on progressive metal with halting riffs, melodic moments, and some dark/goth flavor that you might expect from a Finnish band. The sound of Oddland comes together pretty well into a dark and interesting soundscape with a lot of changes/variation in the music."

Read the review

13. Orden Ogan - To The End

"To me this is just a band taking a variety of influences, crafting their own sound out of it, and making for good straight up power metal. Sometimes I just want epic, classic, speedy power metal and this is highly satisfying to that end."

Read the review

12. Lullacry - Where Angels Fear

"Everything sounds like it should without sounding rehashed and that is just fine by me. All the songs have great energy, an almost pop-punk catchiness that totally works, and a sort of gothic atmosphere that adds a bit of substance and feeling along the way."

Read the review

11. Tiamat - The Scarred People

"This is exactly the sort of Tiamat album I want. From start to finish this is dreary and just loaded with atmosphere. Basically, it's the sort of music I think this band excels at and it's nice to hear them doing what they do best."

Read the review

Top 10 Metal Albums of 2012

10. Saint Vitus - Lillie: F-65

"It seems like in all this down time Saint Vitus has neither changed nor missed a step. This is just such a strong collection of groove and atmosphere that you've gotta love it. Absolutely classic Saint Vitus from start to finish."

Read the review

9. Kobra And The Lotus - Kobra And The Lotus

"Kobra And The Lotus seem to have their act well together on this one and there is little to not like here. Their self titled release just has a lot of energy, a powerful sound aided by forceful wails, and rarely relents in it's headbanging pace."

Read the review

8. Tankard -  A Girl Called Cerveza

"Everything on here just screams to me Thrash and I enjoyed the album thoroughly from start to finish. While I've liked the past couple of Tankard releases this one just hit me harder and stayed with me better. The songwriting on this one is top notch for the style they aim for."

Read the review

7. Accept - Stalingrad

"No huge changes are found on Stalingrad, but none were really necessary either. This is a suiting follow up for a band who just came back to life in the scene. Just some strong traditional metal with good riffs and gravelly vocals."

Read the review

6. In The Silence - A Fair Dream Gone Mad

"Listening to A Fair Dream Gone Mad I just love the smooth atmospheres of this and how the songs incorporate metal/heavy guitar into their sound. It's quite a nice blend and they manage it well, neither getting too soft or too heavy, but rather using the heavy guitar to enhance the atmosphere."

Read the review

5. Luca Turilli's Rhapsody - Ascending To Infinity
"In the end, this is a pretty damn good Rhapsody album with strong lead guitar that sets it up for success. Luca Turilli shows here that he's still got it and that he can do it without the other guys in the Rhapsody Of Fire camp."

Read the review

4. Paradise Lost - Tragic Idol
"As much as I've always like Paradise Losts's releases, this is exactly the sound I want this band doing. The gothic vibe is still there and takes the frontseat every once in awhile, but make no mistake... Paradise Lost are doom metal again and it is good."

Read the review

3. OverKill - The Electric Age
"I have not a doubt in my mind that all but the most jaded old school thrash fans will enjoy this and it might even grab a few of the more cynical. Certainly, OverKill is sounding a lot more like their 80s/early 90s incarnation than the Mid 90s/2000s version."

Read the review

2. White Skull - Under This Flag
"Overall, Under This Flag comes pretty close to everything I want from a straight up power metal album. This is one of those reviews where choosing highlights is like picking between children. The material here just seems to ride that perfect line where the songs sound epic and powerful while remaining heavy and never getting Too overblown or happy."

Read the review

1. Candlemass - Psalms For The Dead
"There is nothing non-badass about Psalms For The Dead. From the fantastic doomy titles/lyrics to the punishing riffs, gloomy atmosphere, great variation within the songs, and killer solos... there's absolutely nothing to not like. Not to mention the rather awesome melodramatic wailing of Lowe."

Read the review

That wraps up the top metal albums of 2012 for me. Thanks for reading. Everyone's list is bound to be a bit different, but I thought these albums all worthy of mention. Candlemass in particular created one fine piece of metal and it's a fine closing chapter to the band. Feel free to comment with your own top album picks. Happy holidays.

Tankard - A Girl Called Cerveza

Thrash Metal
Nuclear Blast

2012

1. Rapid Fire (A Tyrant's Elegy)
2. A Girl Called Cerveza
3. Witchhunt 2.0
4. Masters Of Farces
5. The Metal Lady Boy
6. Not One Day Dead (But One Day Mad)
7. Son Of A Fridge
8. Fandom At Random
9. Metal Magnolia
10. Running On Fumes

My expectations are fairly simple when it comes to a good Tankard album. Tankard have never been a cerebral/technical sort of thrash band and I'm pretty certain they're ok with that. Tankard is about a focus on heaviness, fun songs about drinking and partying, and good hooks. Usually what sets a great Tankard album apart from a good one is the energy level and how much it makes you want to headbang.

Well on A Girl Called Cereza, the headbanging factor is pretty high. This album just comes out and attacks with it's guitar heaviness and energetic pace while making you laugh a bit at songs about metal transexuals and beer goggles. Basically, this is just a lot of fun. Songs like A Girl Called Cerveza and The Metal Lady Boy are just in the best tradition of Tankard. I absolutely loved the guest appearance of Doro on The Metal Lady Boy as well. Doro singing thrash? Pretty freakin awesome.

Everything on here just screams to me Thrash and I enjoyed the album thoroughly from start to finish. While I've liked the past couple of Tankard releases this one just hit me harder and stayed with me better. The songwriting on this one is top notch for the style they aim for. I'd say this is their best release since Beast Of Bourbon and a fine example of why Tankard kicks ass. Gotta love a band who sticks with their roots/style. Tankard and OverKill are probably the most reliable thrash metal bands. The output and consistency of these two in thrash are just unrivaled.

In conclusion, this album is just what I want out of Tankard. Brash, heavy, and in your face with a comical twist. This is music to party to if you're metal enough. Thanks for the alcohol infused good time Tankard.

Highlights: The Metal Lady Boy, A Girl Called Cerveza, Rapid Fire, Witchhunt 2.0

Rating - 4.0/5

Tankard - Vol(l)ume 14

Thrash Metal
AFM Records

2010

1. Time Warp
2. Rules For Fools
3. Fat Snatchers (The Hippo Effect)
4. Black Plague (BP)
5. Somewhere In Nowhere
6. The Agency
7. Brain Piercing Öf Death
8. Beck`s In The City
9. Condemnation
10. Weekend Warriors

There's never a whole lot of mystery when it comes to Tankard. What you see is pretty much what you get with this band and what you get is straight up thrash metal with silly/fun moments since the band's debut in '86. Really there hasn't been much in the way of stylistic changes... only minor tweeks here and there. Some might call this stagnant, others might call it being really true to themselves/the thrash scene. I guess it's whatever spin you want to put on it and if you're a fan or not.

Well surprise surprise this is another dose of straight ahead thrash metal in a familiar style. There's really not a lot of frills to their sound and it's just heavy shit to party to really. I can't say this album did much to really excite me and the songs don't scream new singles for the most part. That being said, hardcore fans of the band won't be disappointed even if this is unlikely to garner any form of classic/standout status. It's pretty much Tankard doing what they do and the songs have good energy. I just don't find most of these songs have that certain something... say a killer/unfamiliar riff or a strong memorable chorus to put them over the top.

The bottom line here would be that fans who have stuck with this band and their sound for this long shouldn't be disappointed. As a fan myself I'd say I'm not disappointed, but nor did this have the makings of a special album or one that's likely to make top lists except for the biggest of thrash die hards. Vol(l)ume 14 is a pretty decent, if run of the mill, thrash release. Nothing more and nothing less. I will say you could do worse and certainly the thrash metal scene has produced a number of less worthy bands than Tankard. If you're a big thrash metal fan this might be worth a look and there's nothing here to make any Tankard fan really Dislike it.

Highlights: Rules For Fools, Black Plague (BP)

Rating - 3.0/5

Tankard - Thirst

Thrash Metal
AFM

2008

1. Octane Warriors
2. Deposit Pirates
3. Stay Thirsty!
4. Hyperthermia
5. Echoes Of Fear
6. When Daddy Comes To Play
7. Zodiac Man
8. G.A.L.O.W.
9. Myevilfart
10. Sexy Feet Under

There aren't a lot of bands out there more consistent than Tankard or an easier band to write reviews on. Basically, this band is always just a fun heavy thrash experience and never stray too far from the formula of pissed off music about beer and silliness. I didn't really expect any exception here.

Thirst is indeed no exception to the Tankard rule and this album blazes with intensity while not taking itself too seriously. Fun, catchy, and energetic this album is, simply put, everything a Tankard album should be and remains much in the same sound as the past couple releases. I don't know much else I can say other than that and the fact the release gets my head banging. Nothing reaches outside of the box really, but I don't think it needs to here. I will say the creepy little girl singing in When Daddy Comes Out To Play makes it a memorable track and both Myevilfart and Sexy Feet Under are suitably amusing Tankard songs.

If you've never heard Tankard than here's what you need to know... heavy as hell German thrash that never takes itself too seriously. If you're a fan of a Slayer-esque sort of sound and what I'd call "party thrash" than this would be a good one to check out.

Highlights: When Daddy Comes To Play, Octane Warriors, Hyperthermia, Zodiac Man

Rating - 4.0/5

Tankard - The Beauty & The Beer

Thrash
AFM

2006

1. Ice-olation
2. We Still Drink The Old Ways
3. Forsaken World
4. Rock Stars No. 1
5. The Beauty And The Beast
6. Blue Rage - Black Redemption
7. Frankfurt: We Need More Beer
8. Metal To Metal
9. Dirty Digger
10. Shaken Not Stirred

If there's one thing a person can count on in the metal scene it is Tankard. For just around 20 years now Tankard have been putting out albums consistently. In fact, the longest gap between albums Ever has been 3 years and only once. Also, in all that time they have been one of the few thrash metal bands to really stick to their roots and not indulge in much modern thrash chug, etc, etc. The production has improved and times have changed but Tankard have not been so greatly influenced by it as others and that's what many people love about the band. In Tankard, the spirit of thrash is alive and well.

On this album Tankard of course write many heartfelt ballads and have large progressive tendencies... Just kidding. Beauty & The Beer is a Tankard album 100%. If you liked them in the past, then you'll enjoy this. If you didn't, then you probably won't. This album is pretty well a sister release to Beast Of Bourbon and features the same production & guitar sound for the most part. Many of the songs are also in a similar vein from the start. I don't think anyone is ever going to accuse Tankard of being a band of virtusos but they know how to write a song that makes you want to blow shit up, headbang, drink, and possibly puke. The album is unrelenting from start to finish and nobody can sound pissed off and heavy quite like Tankard. This band is just so very representative of the thrash scene's roots and it's almost like listening to a time warp through the ears of modern production... which just makes it all the heavier.

Not a bad song to be found here and no huge suprises either. I do find this album builds and builds in intensity until by the end I was just headbanging out. The last 4 tracks in particular are just brutally intense and have ultra-memorable choruses. Truely 4 of the cooler thrash songs I've ever heard back to back. Tankard may not be the most innovative or the most technical, but they do what they do and they do it well. It's nice to have a band like Tankard around who embody the spirit of aggressive yet fun, beer metal to party to. I think Beast Of Bourbon hit me a little harder as it had a sound of it's own and really brought Tankard's heaviness to 11, but this album has some great songs and is an excellent release. Tankard haven't had a disappointing album yet and they're not about to start.

Highlights: Frankfurt We Need More Beer, Metal To Metal, Dirty Digger, Shaken Not Stirred

Rating - 4.0/5