Band: Tankard
Title: Thirst
Label: A.F.M. Records
Distribution: Rock Inc.
Release date: 19/12/2008
Review: CD

What can I say about this German band? Two years ago, they celebrated their 25th anniversary, yet throughout those 2 ½ decennia of alcohol and Metal (which got celebrated through the release of a splendid compilation, called Best Case Scenario), Tankard has built a certain reputation and an enormous popularity in both their home country, as well as the rest of Thrash-loving Mother Earth.
The new studio album, Thirst, lasts for almost forty five minutes and contains that typical Tankard-approach. All habitual elements are present, and this goes for the lyrics (as a matter of fact: what did you expect, inspired by the album’s title? – yet I have to admit that the lyrical basics have been widened enormously, meaning that it isn’t always but alcohol that inspires the writing process), the ‘dry’ yet colourful artwork, the music + compositions, and the production (again taken care of by Andy Classen). And when it comes to those (individual) tracks, Thirst proves that Tankard didn’t loose any of their youthful enthusiasm at all. As a matter of fact, the symbiosis of melody, aggression and humour has never sounded as mature, professional and convincing before! And believe it or not, but this album does contain some ‘renewing’ elements too (think: acoustic guitars or female vocals).
Correction (read: critical note): some tracks are killers, others aren’t but fillers, unfortunately.
I can continue for hours, or I can make an easy conclusion (which I will do). Thirst is a must for every Tankard-fan, because the material on this album goes mainly on in the vein of what we’re used too – and besides, the whole sounds as powerful as ever before. Those who get bored by this band, they better leave it all alone, but if you can appreciate, at least, a tiny little Thrash-effort in combination with a touch of sarcasm and an approach that reminds me to the eighties / nineties, then this must be yours. And to all die-hard Tankard-fans I can confirm: take a beer (or some six-packs), sit down and start thrashing! …or just stay thirsty…

85/100

Ivan Tibos.