Tankard is a German thrash metal band from Frankfurt, founded in 1982. Alongside Kreator, Destruction and Sodom, Tankard is often considered one of the "Big Four" of Teutonic thrash metal. Stylistically, Tankard have consistently played thrash metal that thematically centres primarily on alcohol reverence, unlike the remaining "Big Teutonic Four", who are all known for covering such topics related to death, politics, violence and anti-fascism.
Tankard performing at With Full Force 2018
Tankard performing in 2017
Andreas Geremia
Frank Thorwarth
Thrash metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by its overall aggression and fast tempo. The songs usually use fast percussive beats and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead guitar work.
Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield of Metallica (pictured in 2008). Metallica's early work is regarded as essential to the development of the genre in the 1980s.
New York band Anthrax was among the earliest and most successful thrash acts.
Venom's early work is considered a major influence on thrash metal.
Slayer (pictured in 2007) released Reign in Blood in 1986, considered a landmark achievement in the genre's history.