Tank
This Means War

After the imminent success of the seminal "Filth Hounds Of Hate" and the decent "Power Of The Hunter", Tank expanded their fame with a new album, namely "This Means War". It was the year 1983 when the band released this eagerly awaited new work. The classic line-up, that is Algy Ward (vocals and bass), Peter (guitar), and Mark Brabbs (drums), was expanded with a new guitarist, namely Michael John Tucker.

"This Means War" is undoubtedly another great album of pure heavy metal, which gained immediate success from critics and fans. Tank remained, of course, faithful to their classic explosive and wild sound, but enhanced it with the addition of the typical N.W.O.B.H.M melody. Seven very interesting and beautiful songs, featuring rather different styles.

It ranges from pure speed/heavy metal episodes like "Laughing In The Face Of Death" and "Echoes Of A Distant Battle", to powerful and melodic tracks like "If We Go" and the title track, to more hard rock tunes like "Hot Lead, Cold Steel". The songs are quite elaborate, well-executed, more complex, and longer compared to the other albums.

The opener is "Just Like Something From Hell", which begins with a surprising keyboard intro. This beautiful introduction creates a particular and unconventional atmosphere for their sound. But the lovely melody is interrupted by Algy's scream and a fast, pounding rhythm section. Ward's voice is as usual rough and piercing, and it is excellently supported by the guitars of Brabbs and Tucker.

The third track is the title track which starts with nice metallic riffs, endowed with perfect melody, making the piece memorable. The rhythm section is linear and tight, while Algy's vocal performance is extremely convincing and exhilarating. Truly a beautiful track, worth the purchase of the CD alone.

It continues with the powerful "Laughing In The Face Of Death", featuring an almost proto-thrash riff.

The last track is the colossal "Echoes Of A Distant Battle", a rock anthology riffing, which is supported by Ward's angry and gritty voice. Subsequently, the rhythm becomes more sustained and heavy, transforming the track into a true N.W.O.B.H.M ride.

The performance of the whole band is fabulous, demonstrating in this album their preparation, technique, and maturity.