TANKARD Alien Thrash Metal 12" EP Vinyl Album Cover Gallery & Information #Tankard #vinylrecords

"Alien" Album Description:

Formed amidst the fertile thrash metal scene of Frankfurt, Germany, Tankard emerged as the embodiment of beer-soaked, high-energy mayhem. Their 1989 mini-LP "Alien" cemented their reputation, delivering a concentrated dose of the band's signature sound in just five raucous tracks. But for collectors, the true charm of this release lies in the physical vinyl edition, particularly those including the Original Inner Sleeve (OIS) and those coveted vintage merchandise inserts.

Sonic Assault with a Sci-Fi Twist

Musically, "Alien" is a pure thrash metal masterclass. The title track explodes with a sci-fi infused narrative set against breakneck riffs and frantic drumming – a testament to the genre's penchant for fun and escapism. Fan-favorites like the anthemic "(Empty) Tankard" and the hangover lament "The Morning After" showcase the band's lyrical mix of partying and social commentary. Tankard's blistering rendition of Rose Tattoo's "Remedy" reveals both their influences and their ability to make a classic their own.

The Vinyl Experience & Collectible Allure

The enduring appeal of "Alien" extends far beyond the music itself. The 12" vinyl format offers a tangible, ritualistic experience that digital downloads can't replicate. For collectors, the OIS is the holy grail. Featuring not only lyrics but often vintage tour dates, the sleeve transforms the album into a slice of thrash metal history. The occasional merchandise insert provides a fascinating window into Tankard's early aesthetic, showcasing shirts, patches, and other items that fueled the visual identity of the band.

Finding Your Own Piece of History

While securing an original pressing of "Alien" with all the inserts takes persistence, the hunt is part of the thrill. Scour online marketplaces like Discogs and eBay, alongside record stores specializing in metal. Be aware that condition and completeness affect the price, making pristine copies with both OIS and insert the most sought after.

Beyond the Music

Tankard's "Alien" is more than just a thrilling five-track blast. It's a piece of thrash metal history, a testament to the unique subculture's emphasis on physical media and memorabilia. Whether you're blasting the tunes or carefully flipping through the sleeve, this mini-LP offers a nostalgic return to the genre's formative years – an era defined by its raw energy and DIY spirit.

Listen to ALIEN:

Music Genre: Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal
Album Production information: The album: "TANKARD - Alien" was produced by: Harris Johns , Karl Walterbach Harris Johns is a prominent European music producer renowned for his contributions to the heavy metal and punk genres. With a career spanning several decades, he has worked with numerous iconic bands, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Born in the late 1950s, Harris Johns developed a passion for music at an early age and pursued his dreams with unwavering determination. Read more... In the late 1970s, Harris Johns emerged as a key figure in the burgeoning heavy metal and punk scene. His unique talent and distinctive approach to music production quickly caught the attention of many prominent bands. With a desire to create powerful and impactful soundscapes, he became known for his ability to capture the raw energy and intensity of these genres. Throughout his career, Harris Johns has collaborated with a plethora of big-name bands, solidifying his reputation as a go-to producer. His notable works include projects with Helloween, Coroner, Tankard, Sodom, Voivod, Kreator, Exumer, Ratos de Porão, Slime, Daily Terror, and many others. Each album he worked on showcased his exceptional skill in sculpting the sonic landscapes that defined the heavy metal and punk movements. For over a decade, Harris Johns operated his studio, Music Lab Berlin Studio, which served as the creative hub for many of his productions. In an effort to further his artistic vision, he established Spiderhouse, a recording facility situated in a former guest house in the countryside near Berlin. For ten years, Spiderhouse became a sanctuary where he could channel his creativity and bring forth groundbreaking music. In 2007, Harris Johns made the decision to reopen the Music Lab Berlin, reestablishing it as a prime destination for bands seeking his expertise in music production. The studio became a hub of creativity and collaboration, attracting both established acts and up-and-coming artists. However, in 2016, Harris Johns decided to step away from the studio, concluding a significant chapter in his illustrious career. Despite stepping back from the day-to-day operations of Music Lab Berlin, Harris Johns continues to contribute to the music industry. He remains active as a producer and dedicates his time to teaching music production skills. His wealth of knowledge and experience has made him an invaluable resource for aspiring producers and musicians, as he imparts his expertise and nurtures the next generation of talent. As we reflect upon the 1980s, it becomes evident that Harris Johns' discography during this era stands as a testament to his immense talent. Some of the notable albums he worked on include groundbreaking releases such as: 1. Helloween - "Walls of Jericho" (1985) 2. Coroner - "R.I.P". (1987) 3. Tankard - "Chemical Invasion" (1987) 4. Sodom - "Persecution Mania" (1987) 5. Voivod - "Killing Technology" (1987) 6. Kreator - "Terrible Certainty" (1987) 7. Exumer - "Possessed by Fire" (1986) These albums showcase Harris Johns' ability to capture the essence and intensity of the heavy metal and punk genres, earning him a place in music history. Harris Johns' impact on the heavy metal and punk scenes cannot be understated. His talent, dedication, and distinctive approach to music production have left an indelible mark on the industry. As he continues to produce and educate, Harris Johns remains a respected and influential figure, shaping the future of music for generations to come. Karl-Ulrich Walterbach: German music producer who transformed the heavy metal scene. Founder of the iconic Noise Records, he launched the careers of Helloween, Celtic Frost, and countless others. Learn more This album was recorded at: Musiclab, Berlin, January 1989 Album cover design: Sebastian Kruger/Becker-Derouet Sebastian Krüger a German Illustrator who has (during the 1980s) drawn around two dozen of album covers for bands like: Destruction, Risk, Tankard, Running Wild. Album cover photography: Martin Becker Martin Becker (Photographer) during the 1980s "Martin Becker" has photographed around two dozen heavy metal bands. These bands include the two Swiss bands: "Coroner" and "Celtic Frost" as well other bands like: "Kreator" , "Rage" , "Running Wild" , "Tankard" and several others.
Record Label Information:	Blue Label NOISE International N 0131-5 / NUK 131
Media Format:	12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
Year & Country:	1989 Made in Germany

Band Members and Musicians on: Tankard - Alien

Andreas "Gerre" Geremia - Vocals, Bass(since 1982 with the Tankard band)
Andy Boulgaropoulos - Guitar ( with Tankard from 1982 until 1995)
Axel Katzmann - Guitar (with Tankard from 1982 until 1995)
Frank Thorwarth - Bass (with Tankard since 1982)
Oliver Werner - drums, (performing with "Tankard" from 1982 until 1989 , after which he joined the "Chase Crime" band in 1989)