Tankard is a pillar of the German thrash metal scene and one of the most beloved bands in the genre. Hailing from Frankfurt am Main, they formed in 1982 and have consistently played high-speed thrash with a unique focus on beer, partying, and social satire.
Alongside Kreator, Destruction, and Sodom, they are celebrated as one of the “Big Teutonic Four”—the four bands that defined German thrash metal.
Band Overview
- Origin: Frankfurt, Germany
- Formed: 1982
- Genre: Thrash Metal / “Alcoholic Metal”
- Mascot: The “Tankard Alien” (a green, beer-loving creature).
- Key Figure: Andreas “Gerre” Geremia, known for his high-energy stage presence and distinct, rasping vocals.
History & Evolution
The band was founded by schoolmates Gerre (vocals) and Frank Thorwarth (bass), who are the only remaining original members today.
- The Early Years (1982–1985): They originally went by names like Avenger and Vortex before finding “Tankard” in a dictionary. Their early demos, Heavy Metal Vanguard and Alcoholic Metal, made them underground legends.
- The “Alcoholic Metal” Era (1986–1990): Their debut, Zombie Attack (1986), and the follow-up, Chemical Invasion (1987), established their signature sound: fast, aggressive thrash with lyrics centered on beer reverence.
- Consistency over Decades: Unlike many of their peers who experimented with industrial or gothic sounds in the 90s, Tankard never stopped playing thrash. They have released 18 studio albums, with their most recent being “Pavlov’s Dawgs” (2022).
Essential Tracks
If you want to understand the “Tankard Sound,” start here:
- (Empty) Tankard – The ultimate live anthem.
- Chemical Invasion – A masterpiece of 80s German thrash.
- Zombie Attack – The raw, punk-influenced classic.
- A Girl Called Cerveza – A modern favorite showing their lasting energy.
- Schwarz-weiß wie Schnee – The official anthem for the football club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Current Lineup (2026)
The band underwent a major change in late 2024 when long-time drummer Olaf Zissel departed after 30 years.
- Andreas “Gerre” Geremia: Vocals
- Frank Thorwarth: Bass
- Andreas Gutjahr: Guitars (Member since 1999)
- Gerd Lücking: Drums (Joined permanently in 2024)
Tankard at Næstved Metalfest?
While Tankard is not currently listed in the announced lineup for Næstved Metalfest 2026 (which so far features The Gathering, Bloodbath, and Marduk), they are a frequent guest at major European festivals. However, they have shared stages with many Danish bands like Artillery (who played NMF 2023 and 2025).