This means war! Yes, that’s exactly what Tank—the filthiest, loudest, most old-school and badass among the New Wave of British Heavy Metal giants—is telling us. After their early albums Filth Hounds of Hades and Power of the Hunter, both of which bore strong similarities to Motörhead, this third record stands as one of the most memorable in the band’s legacy. The term “Heavy Rock” can easily be used to describe not only Motörhead but also British powerhouses like Raven and Tank. These three bands were instrumental in shaping 1980s Thrash and Speed Metal, acting as major sources of inspiration for countless later acts. Tank’s speed, their wild riffing, and vibrant lyrics have always driven me crazy. With this album, the band leaned slightly more melodic while keeping their heavy metal spirit intact, sounding even sharper and dirtier in the process. That’s what I love most about 80s metal: dirty music!
The lineup—Alistair “Algy” Ward on bass and vocals, Mick Tucker and Peter Brabbs on guitars, and Mark Brabbs on drums—perfectly captures the speed, chaos, and noise of the British heavy rock underground. One thing’s for sure: the production is strong and firmly grounded. This album is packed with unforgettable riffs and convincing, entertaining lyrics. The themes mostly revolve around war, military life, and women. While Motörhead’s influence is somewhat dialed back compared to their debut, it’s still present—especially in Ward’s raspy, gruff, echo-laden vocals that definitely channel Lemmy’s spirit. This Means War is a masterclass in combining Punk, NWOBHM, and Hard’n’Heavy elements into a single explosive package. Tucker and Brabbs deserve all the praise for their blistering riffs and wild solos.
The album opens with “Just Like Something From Hell,” the longest track at 8:30. It begins with an eerie, one-minute keyboard intro that pulls you right into the storm. And then it hits—the scream from Algy, the pounding drums, the crushing guitars—Tank's assault begins. The song gallops forward with unwavering tempo, showcasing perfect instrumental harmony and striking lyrics. This is Heavy Rock at its finest. Algy’s deep, throaty chorus of “Just like something from hell!” is pure magnetism. Then there’s the solos: the first, beginning at 4:10, is about a minute of brain-twisting guitar brilliance, and just when you think you’ve caught your breath, another lightning-strike solo hits at 6:56—an absolute thrash moment.
“Hot Lead, Cold Steel” is built on masterfully crafted riffs. The track starts with aggressive guitars and drums, accompanied by smooth keyboard tones that briefly bring to mind 80s melodic rock bands. But then it morphs into something different. The vocals take on a Hard Rock vibe, and the catchy chorus with chants of “Hot Lead… Cold Steel…” brings a party atmosphere. At 2:56, all instruments drop out, and a seductive solo begins—easily one of the most unforgettable solos you’ll hear. By 3:26, the rest of the instruments rejoin, turning it into a glorious ride. A quintessential Hard Rock piece.
The title track “This Means War” opens with riffs so catchy they’re almost unbelievable. It’s where the party ends and the fury begins again. Like the opener, it never slows down. Punk influence is especially strong in this one, particularly in Ward’s vocal phrasing.
Do we still have to give up our lives?
I'll feed off your vilest dreams, it's not as bad as it seems...
’Cause it's now or never as I'm left with these mouths to feed,
I wanna see all those rivers bleed.
Do you know just what this means… war!
This means war, this means war, this means war, this means war!
This chorus is both impactful and fun. The razor-sharp solo that starts at 2:47 is hypnotic and rings in your ears long after the song ends.
Tank's assault continues. “Laughing in the Face of Death” bursts in with thunderous drums and conquers instantly. With excellent riff work and rapid-fire melodic vocals, this is another relentless track. You’ll clearly feel the influence of Hard’n’Heavy here—especially Accept. Ward’s vocals even climb high enough to recall Running Wild and Grave Digger at times. But remember, Tank predates them all—they’re the real deal.
“(If We Go) We Go Down Fighting” opens with classy bass lines, soon joined by equally elegant guitar riffs. The song continues with a smooth flow, and the choruses bring back memories of “Hot Lead, Cold Steel.” Some pleasant melodies pop up in the background, though the song overall lacks standout moments. At 3:05, a brief clean guitar interlude and emotional vocals hint at a slow rock vibe—but then, out of nowhere, a fierce solo tears everything apart. Still, the track never quite escapes mediocrity. The chorus line “(If we go) We go down fighting” starts to feel repetitive by the end, although the song does close with another impressive solo.
“Echoes of a Distant Battle” is another strong track that shows off Tank’s force and intensity. The lyrics vividly portray the heat of war. The song opens with sharp drums and heavy-handed guitar riffs, and Ward shouts “Flame on!” to kick things off. Compared to other heavy tracks, the tempo is more restrained, but Ward’s vocals are at their most furious and aggressive. With echoes of Motörhead, Accept, and Running Wild, it feels like experiencing all those bands at once.
Don’t even think you’ve experienced NWOBHM without listening to Tank. Their heavy, dirty sound proves not only how important they were to the British metal scene of the 80s, but also how deeply influential they were to the emerging thrash movement. Each song on this album brings its own unique flavor and energy. Tank bleeds Old School spirit—and they still do.