Tank
Filth Hounds Of Hades

THE REVIEW

The Tank debuted with their first album in 1982, during the golden era of N.W.O.B.H.M. The debut album is called "Filth Hounds Of Hades," and it features a rather captivating cover, depicting three hungry and fierce wolves ready to devour everything. An illustration that fully represents the spirit of the band.

The trio presents us with the classic N.W.O.B.H.M., so fashionable at the beginning of the eighties, with small punk influences and a touch of rawness reminiscent of Motorhead. The group consisted of Algy Ward on vocals and bass, Peter Brabbs on guitar, and his brother Mark on drums. The most important albums are certainly the first ones, namely "Filth Hounds Of Hades," "Power Of The Hunter," and "This Means War," recorded in the mid-eighties. I was fortunate to hear and appreciate this album thanks to an old LP copy belonging to a friend's father, who is an eighties metal enthusiast. The Tank presents us with ten solid and explosive tracks, reaching high peaks with the title track and with "Struck By Lightning", "Turn Your Head Around", and "Bloods, Guts And Beer". It all starts with "Shellshock", featuring a powerful riffing in the style of Motorhead, and a strong dose of pure heavy metal that will ignite a long headbanging session. "Struck By Lightning" is a punch in the stomach (perhaps even more painful), with a pounding rhythm section where Algy's abrasive voice takes the spotlight. The chorus has a touch of melody that makes the piece even more engaging and "singable," while Peter's guitar work is precise and fast.

"Run Like Hell" shows Tank's heavier side, with a less obsessive rhythm, a powerful riff, and a more catchy voice, with a refrain reminiscent of Accept. The solos are technical and fast, with Brabbs showcasing his excellent skills. "Bloods, Guts And Beer" is a phenomenal song, with a riff that recalls early Maiden and Blitzkrieg's "Armageddon," supported by a very good performance by Ward, who, in the chorus, takes on the guise of Paul Di'Anno. Truly an incredible album opener for Tank.

"Turn Your Head Around" is a concentration of pure violence and anger played in perfect Tank style, with a pounding start dominated by the abrasive voice, leading into a powerful yet catchy chorus. An incredible song that words cannot describe! "Heavy Artillery" is another powerful track with a tight riffing. The solos are pleasant and catchy, yet always manage to exude a lot of energy. "Who Needs Love Song" has an almost rock-like rhythm, a short but very effective track that keeps the album at a very high level, managing never to fall into the banal, but continuing to showcase interesting pieces! The title track is a wild, almost punk fury, with a sustained pace and a particular focus on very apt instrumental passages. Perhaps a bit too frenzied and chaotic, but still pure anger.

The last track is "He Fell In Love With A Stormtrooper", introduced by a simple main riff that supports the fast-paced rhythm section. The song has an almost punk rhythm, not very frantic but still manages to engage just like the previous tracks. With this very good song, Tank concluded their debut album, achieving great success and becoming one of the most important metal bands.

After "Filth Hounds Of Hades," the trio continued to record albums like "Power Of The Hunter," "This Means War," "Honour And Blood," "Tank," and "Still At War," achieving moderate fame. They can be considered a cult group because they are obviously not known by everyone, but they were a seminal band for subsequent groups. "Filth Hounds Of Hades" is considered by many to be their most beautiful and famous album, marking a fundamental milestone in N.W.O.B.H.M. Another band to rediscover and listen to again because they truly deserve it!