Here’s yet another NWOBHM original with considerable longevity. Tank. Still active with a new album – War Nation – just released. Formed all the way back in 1980 by former Dammed member Algy Ward, Tank do display some punk influences which was often compared to Motorhead.
Algy started things off as a bit of a power-trio together with Pete Brabbs (guitar), and Mark Brabbs (drums) before adding a second guitarist – Mick Tucker around 1983. This was a reasonably stable line-up apart from a Spinal Tap-esque rotating drum stool with skin beaters coming and going. In true Mick Shrimpton style Mark Brabbs rejoined oh so briefly a couple of years ago. He didn’t hang around long with even ex-Hellowween tub thumper Mark Cross putting in a stint. As I type I think Steve Hopgood is in situ and/or played in the new album though I’m a bit confused and things could have changed before I post this……..
Even Algy isn’t there today. Ex-Rainbow/Malmsteen and various others vocalist Doogie White on shouting duty. But does it matter – it’s just great that Tank lives on adding to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal legacy. Oh – almost forgot – recording output.
The debut album engagingly titled Filth Hounds of Hades appeared not long after formation reasonably quickly followed by The Power of The Hunter. Both classic NWOBHM and hard to find these days though it can be done. Try the box set – I think that has everything in there.
Regular albums appeared through This Means War, Honour and Blood. During this spell they were up there on the brink of big things even bagging a support slot with Metallica on a European tour. Another album – simply entitled Tank – appeared in 1987 though after that I guess the band took what we’ll call a lengthy sabbatical before bursting out again with a comeback album Still At War. And continuing with the military themed titles War Machine sprouted forth a couple of years ago.
And so it goes on with Tank still busy and still recording with War Nation out earlier this month. Mightily well received it is too. Doogie of course is a great vocalist. Everyone’s on top form and it’s crisp heavy metal all the way with things bang up to date. No living in the past here (though the old stuff’s great too.
Check them out and discover another in the long link of NWOBHM-era bands who had and still have) the chops without enjoying the breaks.
>> TANK: WAR NATION. AND MORE TANK CDs HERE <<
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