by Alexandra Mrozowska
– Sr. Columnist —
A bizarre but common situation in the world of Rock these days is to have two (or more) versions of the same band. Each of them is usually launched by the former member(s) of the original ensemble after its unfortunate split. That’s what happened to Tank, who in their glory days were one of the most important representatives of the NWOBHM scene. After the smoke cleared, the band’s axemen Mick Tucker and Cliff Evans were apparently not really eager to try job retraining and so they ended up launching their version of Tank. A somewhat younger counterpart to it emerged years later, led by the band’s original founder and bassist/singer Algy Ward.
By 2013, marked by release of Ward’s album under the Tank moniker – Breath Of The Pit – the Tucker/Evans version of the band had already two studio albums under their belt as well as the live DVD release. As 2015 slowly comes to an end now, one couldn’t have found the widely announced Ward’s Tank album Sturmpanzer on the shelf of any music store. (And, if one’s to believe the said musician’s official website and its information given in Day-Glo green, it should be finished soon for 2016 release). The Tucker/Evans incarnation of Tank, on the other hand, is as prolific as ever. Their most recent release – Valley Of Tears – saw the light of day this year via the biggest Polish Rock/Metal label Metal Mind Productions.
For the listeners familiar with previous efforts of this particular version of Tank (2010’s War Machine and 2012’s War Nation) it should come as no surprise it’s a different kind of thing now music-wise. However, those who skipped a dozen years in the post-split history of the band should be aware Valley Of Tears is hardly an updated version of Filth Hounds Of Hades or even Honour & Blood. It’s closer to what’s been recorded with Doogie White on board stylistically – Hard Rock bordering on Melodic Metal with classic inclinations. However, it’s sufficient to check out the opening title track of the album to know it wasn’t an idle talk in all the press announcement. Thing are really getting heavier and more contemporary here, and ZP Theart’s addition behind the microphone has been an energy booster for the entire ensemble indeed.
From the album’s eponymous opener and its follow-up “War Dance” to “Living A Fantasy”, the majority of tracks on Valley Of Tears are powerhouse Hard Rock/Metal anthems embroidered with a generous dose of the twin lead guitar attack. There’s also certain melodic charm to them, too – utilizing the old school formula but with a modern twist. Perhaps it would have been a slight exaggeration to call “Eye Of A Hurricane” or “Hold On” the earworms even with their catchy choruses. On the other hand, you could have easily imagined a roaring crowd of thousands singing along to them on some big outdoor festival… The same goes for a Melodic Hard Rock touch in “Make A Little Time.” “Heading For Eternity” and “World On Fire” have, on the other hand, nearly a Speed Metal flavor to them. A nod and a wink of sorts to ZP Theart’s tenure in DragonForce? Not entirely so, as the instrumental final track “One For The Road” is no slowdown too. As for ballads on the album, there are none. The idea behind it was probably to keep the engine running at full throttle throughout the entire album – which worked well – but a single piece of balladry wouldn’t have done any harm either.
Tank’s Valley Of Tears is a classy, well-crafted Melodic Metal album. Certainly, it doesn’t really keep a Punk-ish legacy of the early Tank and doesn’t sound akin even to the latter works of theirs. But it’s no drawback for the listener, with the exception of the traditionalists maybe. Juicy, rich guitar work with some blazing solos and the right balance between power and melody is what Tank currently stands for. And last, but not the last – a tremendous set of pipes behind the vocal lines, a probable highlight of the entire new effort of theirs. Highly recommended.
Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Melodic Metal
Band:
Cliff Evans – guitars
Mick Tucker – guitars
ZP Theart – vocals
Bobby Schottkowski – drums
Barend Courbois – bass guitar
Track List:
1. Valley Of Tears
2. War Dance
3. Eye Of A Hurricane
4. Hold On
5. Living A Fantasy
6. Heading For Eternity
7. World On Fire
8. Make A Little Time
9. One For The Road
Label: Metal Mind Productions
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Tank-90444813508/
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10
