Tank is a British heavy metal band formed in London in 1980, widely recognized as a prominent act within the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Their music is characterized by its raw, gritty sound, often drawing comparisons to Motörhead dueled to the similar vocal style of frontman Algy Ward and their aggressive, punk-influenced approach to heavy metal.
History
Formation and Early Years (1980-1983) Tank was founded by Algy Ward (bass and vocals), who had previously been a member of The Damned and Saints & Sinners. He recruited brothers Peter Brabbs (guitar) and Mark Brabbs (drums) to complete the original lineup. The band quickly gained attention for their powerful live performances and distinct sound, releasing their debut single, "Don't Walk Away," in 1981. Their critically acclaimed debut album, Filth Hounds of Hades, followed in 1982 on Kamaflage Records, showcasing their raw energy and lyrical themes of war, motorcycling, and rebellion. Later that same year, they released their second album, Power of the Hunter, which continued their aggressive style. In 1983, they released This Means War, their third album, which saw a slight shift towards a more polished sound without abandoning their heavy roots.
Lineup Changes and Later Albums (1984-1989) Following This Means War, the Brabbs brothers departed, and Cliff Evans (guitar) and Mick Tucker (drums) joined the band. This new lineup released Honour & Blood in 1984, which further explored epic and melodic elements while maintaining the band's signature heaviness. Their final album of the decade, Tank (also known as The Return of the Filth Hounds), was released in 1987, but the band went on hiatus shortly thereafter.
Reunion and Dual Versions (1997-Present) Tank reunited in 1997 for several live performances. However, around 2007-2008, a divergence occurred, leading to two separate bands performing under the name "Tank."
- Algy Ward's Tank: Algy Ward continued with his version of Tank, releasing albums such as Valley of Tears (2015). Ward's iteration faced challenges due to his declining health. Algy Ward passed away in May 2023.
- Cliff Evans and Mick Tucker's Tank: Guitarists Cliff Evans and Mick Tucker, along with new members, continued to tour and release music as Tank. This version of the band released albums like War Machine (2010), Breath of the Pit (2013), and Sturmpanzer (2018). This iteration of the band has been consistently active in touring and recording.
Musical Style and Legacy
Tank's sound is characterized by fast tempos, driving rhythms, and powerful riffs, with Algy Ward's distinctive gruff vocals often compared to Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead. They are considered one of the key bands of the NWOBHM, known for injecting a punk rock sensibility into traditional heavy metal, which laid groundwork for subsequent thrash metal bands. Their early albums, particularly Filth Hounds of Hades, are highly regarded as influential within the metal genre.
Discography (Selected)
- Filth Hounds of Hades (1982)
- Power of the Hunter (1982)
- This Means War (1983)
- Honour & Blood (1984)
- Tank (1987)
- War Machine (2010) (Cliff Evans & Mick Tucker's Tank)
- Breath of the Pit (2013) (Cliff Evans & Mick Tucker's Tank)
- Valley of Tears (2015) (Algy Ward's Tank)
- Sturmpanzer (2018) (Cliff Evans & Mick Tucker's Tank)