Review by Felix on March 13, 2020.

Some people say that Tank only worked with the Brabbs / Brabbs / Ward line-up and these dudes usually have a tendency to punk music. Their point of view is comprehensible, because the first configuration of Tank spread a snotty, punk-compatible charm. Straight torpedoes like 'Shellshock', 'Struck by Lightning' or 'Turn Your Head Around' emphasized the band’s affinity for the genre of the Sex Pistols, The Ramones or The Exploited. At the same time, these hammers paved the way for the silently growing speed / thrash scene. Well, back in 1982, only a few guys really cared about the exact description of the trio’s style and maybe we should get back to this kind of cool serenity. What we know for sure is that Filth Hounds of Hades sounds raw, rebellious and – despite its anti-establishment attitude – pretty varied. 'T.W.D.A.M.O.', for example, has not much in common with untamed energy, but it adds another interesting flavour to the album. It’s almost thoughtful approach and the casual riffing do not shape another album highlight, but it cannot be denied that the song scores with individuality and an attractive form of unintended catchiness.

Seen from today’s perspective, the music does not reach highest levels of excitement. I still wonder why some Danish thrashers chose the second part of the title of 'Heavy Artillery' for their band name. The ordinary song with an ordinary chorus and ordinary verses does not suck, but it also fails to leave a long-lasting impression. But good news (or is it rather bad news?), it is a real jewel as long as we compare it with 'Who Needs Love Songs'. Despite its title, this is no ballad, but the terrible guitar lines drive the song directly into the ground. However, the vast majority of the conventionally designed pieces show an above-average degree of musical maturity. It does not express itself in technical gimmicks, but in a sharp eye for essentials. It must be remembered that Tank had already accompanied Motörhead on a tour through Europe before they released their debut – and they had not forgotten this experience when entering the studio. The songs never get fat and the production of Fast Eddie Clark (R.I.P.) underlines the reduced yet effective approach. By the way, I am speaking of a production that still sounds fresh, even though it does not deny its age. This may sound pretty weird – but all people who still feel the importance of the entire decade of the eighties every now and then will hopefully know what I want to say.

The slightly repetitive and strangely titled '(He Fell in Love with a) Stormtrooper' brings the album to a solid end. Tank possessed this authentic f**k-you-mentality, but their pure musical offering did not indicate that we were listening to the art of a revolutionary cell. Anyway, Filth Hounds of Hades initiated a career with many ups and downs and today we have two Tanks… but we also had two Germanys for more than 40 years and still we have two Koreas, so what? And it is true, even two Tanks have never published a real masterpiece, but the original Tank (not only the first line-up) possessed a lot of personality and their albums have been really relevant for the scene, especially but not only in view of their non-musical features.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10