The artist formerly known as ‘Walls’ Jansen
ONE OF A FEW disproportionately influential power trios from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal’s heyday, TANK debuted with 1981’s Don’t Walk Away EP (High Roller) [9]. It’s still a crucial nugget of rambunctious energy and attitude, powered by the untrained snarls and propulsive four-string of ex-Damned bassist Algy Ward. Power Of The Hunter [7] emerged barely six months after their 1982 debut LP; inspiration was stretched a bit thin, but there were some great, forward-moving songs, with much-tightened interplay. 1983’s This Means War [8] introduced a second guitarist and spacey keyboards, expanding the palette and sharpening the songwriting to create a NWOBHM classic. On 1984’s Honour & Blood [6] Tank’s militaristic obsession felt decidedly overstated, its repetition sinking in on overlong songs that nevertheless retained enough wildness of spirit to maintain interest.