Tankard is actually a band that hardly needs a review. From their first album to the latest one I’m trying to analyze now, they have preserved every element that makes them Tankard. The album is called Thirsty, and as always, they advance without losing their essence. This time, it’s a more mature, mid-tempo work—but definitely not a downside. The same simple yet passionate riffs, Andreas Geremia’s biting vocals, and a cheerful, carefree backing track remain intact.
The music is still as aggressive as ever, and the lyrics are quite thoughtful, but none of these aspects negatively affect the intelligence of the music. The first song that catches your ear for immediate replay is the title track Thirsty. I think they have added another classic to Tankard’s history—acoustic and cleverly introduced guitars, and that unmistakable Tankard attitude that plays by no rules, a total chaos of a song. It literally rips the energy right out of you.
Another song that immediately stands out on the album is Echoes of Fear. To not call it one of the handful of notable thrash metal tracks released lately would be a huge mistake. The almost threatening sense of defiance drills into your system like a syringe through your ears—probably one of the best experiences you can have lately. More than just simple fuel riffs, this song is like a courage pill by itself. They’ll probably play this on their next tour—watch the frenzy then... Anyway...
Daddy Comes to Play is another attention-grabbing track on the album. I think Tankard, for the first time in their history, features female vocals—though calling it female is a bit misleading, since it’s more like a childlike choir. The song really showcases Tankard’s sensitive side; even if you don’t understand English, you’ll definitely sense that “this guy is sending a message here.” It’s such an original and interesting piece.
This is a Tankard album you can enjoy with pleasure, but as I said, it carries a slightly more mature vibe. The tones are harsh, the songs are fierce, but unlike Beast of Bourbon, they don’t rely on extreme speed or brain-numbing guitars. Instead, it’s a more grounded, effortless, and fun listen. Of course, this doesn’t mean boundaries aren’t pushed—the final track carries that role fully. The closing song Sexy Feet Under is just as original as its title suggests, and I’m sure many will want to climb the walls listening to it. The ending of the album is indescribable in words—exciting, a slap to the face, with a biting intensity beyond human limits.
Continuing steadily on the path they started without faltering, Tankard hasn’t lost direction this time either. Neither age, changing trends, nor anything else seems capable of stopping these guys. Saying this latest album is great, you should definitely listen feels like the most pointless phrase ever. Instead, I’ll just say this: if you want to feel their strength and dynamism, there’s no better place than their still unique albums. :)