"The Morning After" by German thrash metal band Tankard, released in 1988, is a seminal third studio album. Tankard's evolution from their 1982 formation led to this classic, blending relentless thrash riffs and humorous lyrics. Produced by Harris Johns, the album's iconic artwork, featuring the beer-swilling alien "Alien," complements its enduring legacy. Celebrated for its musicality and creativity, "The Morning After" solidified Tankard's status in the thrash metal pantheon.
In the world of German thrash metal, Tankard stands as a formidable force, and their third studio album, "The Morning After," remains a timeless classic. Released on September 9, 1988, this LP has etched its place in the thrash metal pantheon. In this expository article, we delve into the creation history of Tankard's "The Morning After," exploring the band's journey and the factors that contributed to the album's enduring legacy.
Formation and Early Years:
Tankard, formed in 1982 in Frankfurt, Germany, initially comprised vocalist Andreas "Gerre" Geremia, guitarist Axel Katzmann, bassist Andreas "Andy" Bulgaropulos, and drummer Oliver Werner. Influenced by the burgeoning thrash metal scene, the band quickly gained a reputation for their energetic performances and raw, aggressive sound.
Debut Albums and Evolution:
Tankard's early albums, "Zombie Attack" (1986) and "Chemical Invasion" (1987), showcased their thrash metal prowess, earning them recognition in the underground metal scene. However, it was with "The Morning After" that Tankard truly solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with.
Recording Process:
The recording of "The Morning After" took place at Music Lab Studio in Berlin, with Harris Johns serving as the producer. Harris Johns, known for his work with other thrash metal acts like Kreator and Sodom, brought his expertise to the table, helping Tankard achieve a sound that blended aggression with clarity.
Musical and Lyrical Themes:
The album is characterized by its fast-paced, relentless thrash riffs and Gerre's distinctive vocal delivery. Lyrically, Tankard explored themes ranging from the typical thrash metal subjects like war and social issues to more unconventional topics like alcohol consumption and partying – elements that would become synonymous with the band's identity.
Album Production Information: The album: "The Morning After" was produced by: Harris Johns and Tankard 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. 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. Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Harris Johns and Tankard This album was recorded at: MusicLab, Berlin, August / September 1988
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Record Label & Catalognr: Noise International N 0123-1 / NUK 123 / FW 44271 |
Packaging: This album "The Morning After" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos of Tankard |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1988 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Tankard The Morning After |
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Complete Track Listing of: "The Morning After" |
The Songs/tracks on "The Morning After" are
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Tankard The Morning After |
Front Cover Photo of "The Morning After" Album |
Back Cover Photo of "The Morning After" Album |
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Inner Cover of "The Morning After" Album |
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Close-up Photo of "The Morning After" Record Label
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