TANKARD

I hasten to bring good news to our readers -- at last, someone has been found who can destroy the hated disco. The well-known Frankfurt foursome released their ninth full-length album in 1998 under the succinct title "Disco Destroyer" with an eloquent cover -- an axe embedded in a bleeding strobe light. Everything is clear, no further questions needed. This time the guys decided to step away a bit from their beloved alcohol-themed lyrics and show us the heavy psychological struggles of the people around us. Here we have a maniac trying to explain to his beloved that it's not his fault he has to kill her -- it's all the voices in his head ("Serial Killer"); an internet surfer who needs nothing more than the sound of a modem by his side to be happy ("http://www.Planet-Suicide.com"); a zombie for whom "life is beautiful when the cemetery is your home!" ("U-R-B"); and a queen-obsessed madman who tells journalists and millionaires to go to hell and can't understand why the queen loves Elton John's music instead of his thrash! ("Queen Of Hearts"). In other words, all the lyrics are permeated with social themes. Now regarding the music. TANKARD's music is, as always, raging, rollicking speed-thrash with killer solos and a punk-infused attitude. The album also has plenty of potential hits -- "U-R-B," "Mr. Superlover," and "Serial Killer." Also worth noting is the russian reissue of the album -- the disc includes a bonus track, a cover of Manowar's "Fast Taker." All in all, this album will appeal both to devoted fans of the beer-crazed maniacs TANKARD and to those just beginning to get acquainted with this wonderful band. And don't forget the album's main slogan: "From Frankfurt to Frisco we destroy every disco!!!"