TANKARD – Best Case Scenario: 25 Years In Beers

This album is the last act of the celebrations for Tankard’s relentless presence in the Metal music industry. The “festivities” started with two re-releases through Locomotive Records; the first was Kings Of Beer and the second Disco Destroyer. These albums featured the original recordings plus one bonus cover track. Best Case Scenario: 25 Years In Beers is the band’s tribute to all these years of beer consuming; the German quartet entered the studio and re-recorded 15 tracks that are definitely considered as classic hits.

Eventually, the album will be subject to the classic argument that the re-recorded versions lose the original atmosphere of the time they were composed. On the other hand, a simple “Best Of” compilation can be equally considered as a rake-off. So the obvious question is: what side should the listener choose? None is the best answer since you can enjoy the new version as many did at the original release date. Indeed, Tankard have managed to release 12 albums and still sound pretty much the same as they did back in the mid-80s; and that is old fashioned guitar-driven German Thrash with strong Punk foundations. Geremia still sounds out of tune while he sings (shouts) all the beer related lyrics, that sometimes hide some serious (not too serious though) messages. Songs like “(Empty) Tankard,” “Space Beer,” or the hilarious tracks “Beermuda” and “666 packs” are a small sample of what Tankard is all about. The tracks have undergone some serious face (sound) lifts without losing the original feeling and atmosphere. The guys seem to have had a great time in the studio while recording some tracks from their old and long history.

The digipack version comes with an interesting second CD that is a Tankard tribute featuring 18 classic tracks covered by some not-so-famous bands. Nevertheless, this is a filling release that is perfect for all the Tankard/beer maniacs to remember, and for all the young Metalheads to study some interesting chapters of Metal history. The compilation is more enticing for all the old timers in the vinyl format since it will contain, beside the compilation, picture discs of B-Day, Beast Of Burbon, and The Beauty And The Beer, a 0.3l beer mug and a t-shirt. So, keep your eyes and ears open for this release, and while waiting, grab another space beer!