Tank – War Machine

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New Tank almost sounds like old Tank never disbanded. The band now includes vocal legend Doogie White, guitarists Mick Tucker (ever-present since 1983) and Cliff Evans (1984) and former Bruce Dickinson bassist Chris Dale. Original drummer Mike Brabbs had returned, but left earlier this year. The album kicks off with Judgement Day, where every part of the classic sound of 1980s metal is present, from the guitar tone to over-bouncy bass. It could have come from any ’80s Saxon album (Doogie White’s vocals here are even incredibly reminiscent of prime Biff Byford). The same thing happens on Phoenix Rising, Great Expectations and The Last Laugh. These songs alternate with a far more contemporary sound while, still firmly rooted in traditional metal, where the influence of Ronnie James Dio’s style can be heard, albeit delivered in a Byford manner. These are the heavier Feast of The Devil, epic stand-out War Machine, sombre ballad After All and groover World Without Pity (with a hint of Glenn Hughes). What this all producers is an album that veers between sounding like it was recorded in either 1983 or 2010 from song to song. The more modern sounding tracks are invariably the better, more interesting ones, but overall it makes the album sound somewhat disjointed. One thing or the other would have made an even more solid, coherent album as both sets of songs are good within their style, but ultimately the whole is likely to please fans no end.

Written by Andy Lye
More: 2010, Albums, Heavy Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Tank