Tankard - The Meaning of Life 12" Vinyl LP Album

Tankard's "The Meaning of Life," a thrash metal gem, showcases a compelling blend of music and artistry. Released in October 1990, the 12" Vinyl LP Album features a captivating cover concept by Buffo, with cover artwork crafted by Sebastian Kruger and Becker-Derouet. The collaboration results in a visually striking representation of the genre and complements the album's intense musical content, solidifying Tankard's enduring legacy in the thrash metal scene.

  "The Meaning of Life" is the fourth studio album from German thrash metal band Tankard.

 

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"The Meaning of Life," Album Description:

In the realm of German thrash metal, Tankard stands as a formidable force, and their fourth studio album, "The Meaning of Life," remains a testament to their musical prowess and enduring influence. Released on October 1990, this 12" Vinyl LP Album is a quintessential chapter in the band's discography, marked by intense riffs, powerful rhythms, and thought-provoking lyrical content.

The album's creation history unveils a fascinating journey of collaboration and creative ingenuity. The cover concept, attributed to Buffo, sets the tone for the visual representation of "The Meaning of Life." This artwork serves as a gateway into the thematic depths explored within the album, reflecting the band's desire to convey a profound message through their music.

The cover art itself is a product of the collaborative efforts of two notable artists—Sebastian Kruger and Becker-Derouet. Sebastian Kruger, renowned for his distinctive and detailed artistry, played a pivotal role in bringing the visual elements of the album to life. His work is characterized by a unique blend of realism and expressionism, capturing the essence of Tankard's music in a visually striking manner.

Becker-Derouet's involvement in the cover artwork further adds layers to the creation narrative. The collaborative synergy between Buffo, Sebastian Kruger, and Becker-Derouet resulted in an album cover that not only visually represents the thrash metal genre but also encapsulates the thematic richness of "The Meaning of Life."

Released during a significant era for thrash metal, the album resonated with fans and critics alike. The music encapsulates the aggressive and energetic spirit of the genre while delving into philosophical themes that transcend the conventional boundaries of thrash metal lyrics.

Music Genre:

 Alcoholic Speed Thrash Metal 

Album 
Production information:

Producers Harris Johns, Karl-U 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.

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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:

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


Recorded at Musiclab Studio/Berlin April and May 1990.
Mixed at Hansa Studio Berlin, June 1990
Backing vocals by Gerre, Ken (Criminal Justice), Tommy (Megalomaniax)
Album cover concept by Buffo
Cover artwork by Sebastian Kruger/Becker-Derouet
Photography Buffo, Petra Gall

Uwe "Buffo" Schnädelbach a German Photographer, Editor and Band manager (Tankard). During the 1980s he has photographed a dozen of Heavy Metal bands.

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.

Record Label Information:

 Noise International N 0156-1  

Packaging:

  This album includes a 12" insert with Tankard band-member photos, band-details and lyrics of all the songs

Media Format:

 12" Vinyl LP  

Year & Country:

 1990 Made in Germany  
Band Members and Musicians on: Tankard - The Meaning of Life
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • 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)
  • Arnulf Tunn - Drums, (drummer with the Germany Thrash Metal band "Tankard" from 1989 until 1993)
Track Listing of: Tankard - The Meaning of Life
 

The Song/tracks on "Tankard - The Meaning of Life" are:

 
    Side One:
  • Open All Night
  • We Are Us
  • Dancing on our Grave
  • Mechanical Man
  • Beermuda
 
    Side Two:
  • The Meaning of Life
  • Space Beer
  • Always Them
  • Wheel of Rebirth
  • Barfly
Album cover photos of : Tankard - The Meaning of Life
Photo of Front Cover 
High Resolution Photos of tankard meaning life    
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photos of tankard meaning life  
Close-up Photo of Record Label 
High Resolution Photos of tankard meaning life  
Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.
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