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Rating: Getting drunk, causing mayhem with friends, and having fun: the magical formula of the German thrashers Tankard. Loyal to their fans and above all to themselves, here they reappear on the brink of the 2000s with what is perhaps their most accessible album. The experimental phase of German thrash has just ended, and the more melodic phase—if you will—begins: Sodom is working on "M-16," Kreator on "Violent Revolution," and Destruction has just reunited in their classic lineup and is about to release "The Antichrist." Tankard, for their part, leave behind their albums of the '90s—heavily influenced by punk—to attempt a path that will represent the beginning of the "renaissance" of the thrash movement.
So, space for melody and for more catchy riffs, without forgetting a massive dose of musical aggression. It starts at full speed with "Flirtin' With Disaster," a super-fast track dedicated to one of the most unpleasant effects of alcohol, that is... well, I don't want to spoil the surprise for you! The structure, as always, is very refined and particular for this piece which opens with the chorus, where the band members participate to support Gerre's vitriolic voice, and then continues with the verses sung in a very unruly manner. The rhythm does not drop at all with the following "Dark Exile," which is distinctive for a much more melodic chorus that then leads to the usual fiery thrash solo and for more aggressive and structured vocals. "Hell Bent For Jesus" is a rocky mid-tempo that speeds up treacherously and leads you to the wildest headbanging, especially when Gerre yells with the whole band, "Motherfucker die, motherfucker die;" you'll still be pumped when the first distorted riffs of the title track reveal a musical vision you didn't think possible, a sort of drunk Manowar unleashing in an epic and pathos-filled chorus. The track is undoubtedly one of the most successful of the record and closes with an outburst worthy of the good old times.
"I'm so sorry" is a wild card indebted to vintage thrash, "Incredible Loudness" an old demo re-recorded and proposed with decent results. And we come to those tracks which, along with the title track, are the masterpieces of the album: "Land Of The Free" and "Mirror Mirror." The first is a mid-tempo that opens with a memorable bass line and tackles a rather serious subject for a band like Tankard, here is an excerpt: "Land of the free - if you're able to pay/Land of the free - if you're righteous to stay/Land of the free - better bring some good luck/Land of the free - but we don't give a fuck/Land of the free - but without me, land of the free." Gerre's performance is probably one of the best of his entire career, perfectly aligned with the subject matter. "Mirror Mirror" is faster and has a riffing that is damn effective and varied; the solo, as always, is ultra-fast and precise, Gerre's vocals rather composed and incisive.
Before going to grab a beer (after listening to a Tankard CD, it has a whole new taste!), I leave you with my conclusions: an album that manages to be ahead of its time, oozing true passion; a pity for a couple of subpar tracks, but overall an excellent work.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 Dark Exile (04:53)
Soul after soul! My black wings cut the sky
Hatred so old! My long teeth ripped flesh
The corpses, I'll take them into my hall of bones
The slaughtered, the entrails, the guts will be my throne
Victims abound! Their wickness is my strength
Red moon beyond! Straight from the underworld
I'm creeping, the rain beats on rusty iron walls
The foul stench of my mouth, the abject evil calls
Dark light! Blood is the currency, and I'm the paradise
The doors of my dark exile are closed and locked up tight
I am the parasite and blood unlocks the light
Dark light! Blood is the currency, and I'm the paradise
The doors of my dark exile are closed and locked up tight
I am the parasite and blood unlocks the light
Hymn of the damned! The fire burns the cries
Realm of the dead! Welcome mortality
My temple, unholy, the altar made of plagues
Your crosses, just dripping, religion - sick and fake
Hell ain't a dream! Hot pits and freezing cold
Sin after sin! Your nightmare never ends
That oily machinery, cooled by the human sweat
I feed them with envy, the worms inside your head
Dark light! Blood is the currency, and I'm the paradise
The doors of my dark exile are closed and locked up tight
I am the parasite and blood unlocks the light
Dark light! Blood is the currency, and I'm the paradise
The doors of my dark exile are closed and locked up tight
I am the parasite and blood unlocks the light
Soul after soul! My black wings cut the sky
Hatred so old! My long teeth ripped flesh
The corpses, I'll take them into my hall of bones
The slaughtered, the entrails, the guts will be my throne
Victims abound! Their wickness is my strength
Red moon beyond! Straight from the underworld
I'm creeping, the rain beats on rusty iron walls
The foul stench of my mouth, the abject evil calls
Dark light! Blood is the currency, and I'm the paradise
The doors of my dark exile are closed and locked up tight
I am the parasite and blood unlocks the light
Dark light! Blood is the currency, and I'm the paradise
The doors of my dark exile are closed and locked up tight
I am the parasite and blood unlocks the light
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