In the smoldering embers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, where once mighty bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest ruled with an iron fist, a new battalion storms the scene, ready to unleash a sonic war. TANK, helmed by the indomitable Algy Ward, blasts into our ears with "This Means War," their 1983 sophomore album that's as subtle as a tank shell to the face.
Forged in the crucible of London's hard rock scene, TANK was no stranger to the trenches. With Ward's gritty vocals and pummeling bass lines leading the charge, alongside the twin guitar assault of Mick Tucker and Cliff Evans, and the thunderous drumming of Mark Brabbs, TANK's sound is a relentless barrage of pure heavy metal fury.
"This Means War" picks up where their debut left off, but with a newfound intensity and focus. From the opening salvo of the title track, it's clear that TANK is here to conquer. Ward's snarling vocals spit out lyrics of rebellion and defiance, while the guitars churn out riffs that could level a city block. The rhythm section, meanwhile, lays down a foundation of pure power, driving the songs forward with an unstoppable momentum.
The album is a relentless assault on the senses, with each track hitting harder than the last. "Just Like Something from Hell" is a blistering speed metal anthem, while "Echoes of a Distant Battle" is a doom-laden epic that showcases the band's versatility. "The War Drags Ever On" is a mid-tempo stomper that's as catchy as it is heavy, and the closing track, "(He Fell in Love with a) Stormtrooper," is a tongue-in-cheek ode to sci-fi warfare that's as fun as it is ridiculous.
Produced by the legendary John Verity, "This Means War" captures the raw energy and intensity of TANK's live performances. Recorded at the famed Battery Studios in London, the album has a gritty, unpolished sound that perfectly complements the band's no-nonsense approach to heavy metal.
While TANK never achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their NWOBHM peers, "This Means War" remains a testament to their power and passion. It's an album that's as uncompromising and unapologetic as the band itself, and it stands as a proud monument to the enduring legacy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
So if you're ready to enlist in the heavy metal army, grab your copy of "This Means War" and prepare to be blown away. TANK is here to fight, and they're not taking any prisoners.
