TANKARD – Vol(l)ume 14

The return of the giant drunken beer mugs from hell was highly expected. After their last album, Thirst, which was rather mediocre, Tankard seems to go out of their way to return to the glory of their superb 2006’s The Beauty And The Beer. For their fourteenth release, they celebrated another six pack with Vol(l)ume 14… not an original name, but the outcome underneath it makes the title worthwhile.

Although this is not as good as The Beauty And The Beer, which is their best since their old Chemical Invasion release, it seems that Tankard concentrated less on trying to be as heavy as in the prior years. The music within Vol(l)ume 14 gives a somewhat technical playing display by the band, especially by the band’s guitarist, Andy Gutjahr.  The guitar work is excellent, and without a doubt Andy’s greatest work since joining Tankard in 1999.

Even though Tankard soften the blow (in a positive way, of course), their musicianship took an interesting turn. In synchronization with Andy’s work, the passages are interesting and in a way melodic.  Moreover, the vocals by the hyper beer master, Gerre Geremia, seem to be preserved and keep improving as time passes, just as an aged wine… or beer, in this case.

Still humorous and almost without any meaning to be serious, just on several occurrences, Tankard once again brings blasting drunken moments of laughter, alcohol, and social matters into the public eye.  No matter the age, the dynamic Tankard will keep on being boyish and drunk as hell. Their themes are excellent as they truly know how to shift from being merry to being plain loony. The number 14 release shows there is no actual downfall at the Tankard front. Only beer shall rise!! Long live beer!!

Tracklist

1. Time Warp
2. Rules For Fools
3. Fat Snatchers (The Hippo Effect)
4. Black Plague (BP)
5. Somewhere In Nowhere
6. The Agency
7. Brain Piercing Öf Death
8. Beck’s In The City
9. Condemnation
10. Weekend Warriors

Lineup

Andreas “Gerre” Geremia – Vocals
Andy Gutjahr – Guitars
Frank Thorwarth – Bass
Olaf Zissel – Drums