Well, it’s been a while, but Tank are back with a new live EP, Live in Texas. Recorded at the Hell’s Heroes Festival in Houston, Texas, on 15 March 15 2024, it features five songs from their first three albums. There is nothing quite like listening to a top-quality live performance, and the stalwarts from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement have absolutely smashed it.
Tank – Live In Texas EP
Release Date: 27 February 2025
Words: Steve Kenton
Formed in 1980, Tank have seen a number of line-up changes over the years, with former members of Rainbow, Skid Row, Dragonforce, Schenker and Helloween doing an admirable job in keeping Tank rolling on. They have released numerous albums over the years, with their last offering being Re-Ignition, released in 2019, featuring David Readman on vocals. A new release was long overdue – and they have not disappointed.
Walking Barefoot Over Glass is the first track to grace one’s ears, and it sets the pace beautifully for the rest of the EP. Tank sound really tight from the go-get. Not a single note is wasted nor dropped, and if you have not heard the track before, the chorus is ridiculously catchy. This sets the tone beautifully and is a personal favourite of mine.
The second track, Echoes Of A Distant Battle, was originally released as a single in 1983. With its Rainbow-esque intro swiftly breaking out into a rapid gallop, this tale of the desperation of battle really showcases the twin guitar talents of Mick Tucker and Cliff Evans, working hand in glove to create an urgent, vital sonic experience.
Shellshock, originally recorded for Tank’s 1982, debut album Filth Hounds Of Hades, now enters the fray. The introductory chant to the track is followed by vocalist Marcus Von Boisman, screaming “WAKEY WAKEY” – and you just know what’s coming next. Three and a half minutes of rapid, machine-gun Metal with a punk twist. It’s fast, furious and you can tell the guys are having fun on that stage.
He Fell In Love With A Stormtrooper, is the second track to appear from Tank’s debut album. Now, admittedly, it’s a bit of a curiously titled track, but if you listen to the lyrics, it all makes sense. The opening riff is fabulous. The only problem is that it’s still rattling around in your head thirty minutes later. The soaring vocals, the catchy guitar riff and the super-tight bass and drums make this the perfect live track.
The final offering to grace this EP is This Means War, the second track to come off of the album of the same name. This particular track is a drummer and bassist’s dream. Karl Wilcox sounded like he was having fun…..an awful lot of fun on the tubs, while Gav Gray dutifully helps keep the engine running with a solid bass line.
And the shredding. Did I mention the shredding? Oh well, I have now……ITS AWESOME!
The recurring theme in all of these tracks is the sharp, clever lyrics that do not come across as pretentious or too serious. There is clearly a Motörhead influence there, and let’s face it, that is no bad thing but there also seems to be a little nod to UFO in there too.
Live In Texas is a fantastic EP. It’s loud, it’s raucous, it’s fun, and it’s head down, hair-shaking Metal at its very best. In fact, if you are driving while listening, there needs to be a warning announcement telling you to set your cruise control before playing.
If you are anything like me, your foot will hit the floor while enjoying this EP and you will end up with a speeding fine. Tank Live In Texas is available from here.
Tank Are:
Mick Tucker – Guitar
Cliff Evans – Guitar
Marcus Von Boisman – Vocals
Karl Wilcox – Drums
Gav Gray – Bass
