- "Zombie Attack" - The Unstoppable Thrash Anthem of 1986
"Zombie Attack"
marked Tankard's 1986 debut in the German thrash metal scene. This 12" Vinyl LP, adorned with James Warhola's vivid zombie-themed cover art and Fred Baumgart's dynamic photography, delivered an explosive sonic onslaught. A product of the burgeoning thrash movement, the album's intense tracks, including the titular "Zombie Attack," solidified Tankard's place as a seminal force. The album's enduring influence cements its status as a classic in European thrash metal history. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Tankard, the German thrash metal powerhouse, stormed onto the scene with their debut album "Zombie Attack," leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Released as a 12" Vinyl LP, this iconic album not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also introduced fans to the distinctive cover artistry of James Warhola and the lensmanship of Fred Baumgart.
The creation history of "Zombie Attack" is a tale of raw energy, unbridled passion, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence. Formed in 1982 in Frankfurt, Germany, Tankard was part of the burgeoning thrash metal movement that swept across the European metal landscape. With the likes of Metallica, Slayer, and Exodus making waves, Tankard was poised to make its own impactful contribution.
The recording process for "Zombie Attack" took place against the backdrop of a burgeoning thrash metal scene in Germany. The band entered the studio with a clear vision of delivering a sonic assault that would resonate with fans hungry for the aggressive and rebellious sound of thrash. The result was an album that blended furious guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and intense vocals, setting a new standard for the genre.
The album cover, a crucial element of any metal release, was entrusted to James Warhola. Known for his distinctive style, Warhola's artwork perfectly captured the essence of Tankard's music.
Complementing Warhola's artwork was the skilled photography of Fred Baumgart. The visual elements of "Zombie Attack" were carefully curated to evoke a sense of chaos and impending doom, mirroring the intensity of the music within.
"Zombie Attack" was unleashed upon the world in 1986, marking Tankard's arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the thrash metal scene. The album's title track, along with other standout songs like "Zombie Attack" and "Alcohol," quickly became anthems for metalheads seeking an adrenaline-fueled musical experience.
Music Genre:
Speed Thrash Alcoholic Metal Music
Album production information:
Cover design James Warhola, L+Z Grafik,
James Warhola is the nephew of the famous pop-artist Andy Warhol.
Fred Baumgart - Photographer
Fred Baumgart photographed since the mid-1980's several German Heavy Metal bands, including: Warrant , Ballantinez ,
Kreator
,
Rage
, Deathrow ,
Voivod
,
Tankard
.
Record Label & Catalognr:
Noise International N 0046
Media Format:
12" Vinyl LP Record
HQ 140 Grams vinyl
Year & Country:
1986 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: Tankard Zombie Attack
Band-members, Musicians and Performers
Andreas "Gerre" Geremia - Vocals, Bass(since 1982 with the Tankard band)
Andy Boulgaropoulos - Guitar (G 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)
Complete Track Listing of: Tankard Zombie Attack
Side One:
Zombie Attack
Acid Death
Mercenary
Maniac Forces
Alcohol
Side Two:
(Empty) Tankard
Thrash Till Death
Chains
Poison
Screamin' Victims
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Tankard Zombie Attack
Classic Monsters Unite: Tankard’s Thrash Metal Mayhem on Zombie Attack
This is the album cover for Zombie Attack, the debut album by the German thrash metal band Tankard, released in 1986. The artwork has a vibrant yet sinister atmosphere, showing a chaotic scene of horror-inspired characters gathered in a living room, presumably watching TV. Among the motley crew, you can spot classic monsters like a vampire, werewolf, skeleton, and Frankenstein’s monster. At the center of the image, a shocked woman clings to her companion, wide-eyed and screaming in terror.
The lighting suggests the glow of the television, adding an eerie blue hue that enhances the unsettling vibe. The band’s logo is fiery, jagged, and prominently placed in the upper-right corner, while the album title, Zombie Attack, drips in blood-red text at the bottom. The imagery is cartoonishly grotesque, capturing the band’s characteristic mix of humor, horror, and raw thrash energy. It’s a perfect visual representation of Tankard’s fun-loving yet aggressive approach to the genre.
Photo of Album's Back Cover
Thank You Notes on Album Back Cover:
Special Thanks:
Buffo (are you ready to drink with class?), Matthias “Wodka” Prill, Karl U. Walterbach, Harris, Credo + Birgit, Habel,
Stephan Kurka, Schumacher (Evil Curse), Fredrik (Metallica), Mr. Hölcher (Nurse), Alex, Ludy (serial patient number 12),
Christian Dauphorn, Rolf Rangol, Alex Gernau, all our parents, Christian W., Matthias W., Alexandra Dörre, Franz Lisson,
Christiane B., Pucki and Dieter + Ebel and all others who bought beer for us.
Close-up Photo of Record Label
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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