I’ve always found it odd just how identical Germany’s Big 4 is to America’s Big 4. There’s Kreator, the biggest and best selling of the pack, who despite falling off creatively decades ago, remains popular as ever (Metallica). Sodom, whose obsession with war and Satan is as prevalent today as it was 40 years ago (Slayer). Destruction, who evolved from a rabid thrashing beast to a refined technical machine (Megadeth). And then there’s Tankard, the odd man out, more concerned about getting wasted and having a good time than being “the world’s greatest” anything (Anthrax). Whereas the first 3 bands are in an endless competition with each other, Tankard sticks to doing what they do best: Drinking and thrashing.
40 years since they initially formed under the moniker Avenger (not to be confused with the pre-Rage outfit of the same name), Tankard are still causing alcohol-fueled chaos with the release of their latest album, Pavlov’s Dawgs. It is the band’s 19th studio album, and their first in 5 years, which is odd considering up until now, they were averaging an album every other year roughly. I can’t help but think that whole pandemic episode had something to do with this delay, and yes, that is addressed on here. So are a bunch of other topics, with tongues planted firmly in cheek.
Musically, Tankard remains thrashier than ever. This is a band who, even in the dark days of the 90s, never kowtowed to groove metal, nu metal, or any other flash in the pan trend in an effort to be hip. The same can be said today, as they thrash, bash, and induce whiplash like it’s nobody’s business. Do the riffs occasionally get repetitive? Sure. There’s nothing new you can contribute to a genre that peaked 35 years ago. That said, there’s no shortage of pummeling mosh riffs and maniacal drum passages that dominate the mix, daring you to stand still. How can one not thrash it up to the dark “Diary of a Nihilist”, bulldozing “Momento”, and vicious “Metal Cash Machine”?
As biting as Tankard’s music is, their humorous lyrical observations that lie somewhere between cynical and satirical. Yes, there’s your obligatory beer chugging hymns (“Pavlov’s Dawgs”, “Beerbarians”). However, I think one would be shocked at what prolific armchair philosophers Tankard truly are. Whether it be tackling the scourge of social media (“Ex-Fluencer”), the wickedness of mankind (“Dark Self Intruder”), or of course, the pandemic (“Lockdown Forever”), Tankard proves that they can lay down some thought provoking socio-thrash as well as Sacred Reich, Toxik, or any other band in that realm. Not only that, but they can do so while drunk! How’s that for talent?
In the scope of Tankard’s catalog, Pavlov’s Dawgs isn’t any better or any worse than any of their past releases. In the same breath, I can’t think of a truly “bad” Tankard album. They’re one of those few veteran acts who never disappoints. Snarky detractors and elitists are probably reading this in disgust, saying to themselves, “A “good” Tankard album? What are you? Drunk?” Of course I am! I think there’s a law against listening to Tankard sober. And there’s probably a law against my current blood alcohol level too.
7 out of 10
Label: Reaper Entertainment
Genre: Thrash Metal
For fans of: Anthrax, Overkill, Sacred Reich