MANOWAR - The Lord of Steel

Pure heavy metal

The new Manowar, The Lord Of Steel, includes 10 tracks, each of them telling a different story. All reflect Manowar’s attachment to values such as fairness and honour and all other elements Manowar fans know and love.

I only had to listen to the 10 songs one to be able to say that this is exactly what Joey DeMaio promised, true metal, unchained energy and a brutal and savage sound as a force of nature.

The record is grandiose in the characteristic Manowar style, yet well connected to modern technology. A return to the roots, but done with freshness, vigour and energy. Each instrument is brought forward on certain parts and each band member has room to manifest himself and put his mark on the final product. As for Eric Adams’ voice, it is perhaps clearer and louder than ever.

The Lord Of Steel emanates brute force, determination and willpower. The melody combines a steady rhythm with Eric Adams’ trademark shouting and the lyrics that define Manowar’s philosophy: “For the glory of battle I will fight until I die/Better one day as an eagle than a lifetime as a fly”

Manowarriors – this song is set to become a symbol among fans of the band, to whom it is dedicated. A fast track, good for headbanging, seasoned with a guitar solo for those who enjoy Karl Logan’s virtuosity.

Born in a Grave is an incursion into the mysterious and dark world of vampires, narrated by Eric Adams’ voice. From the first chord to the final one the melody takes flight as the creatures of the night gain strength when darkness falls.

Righteous Glory - the only ballad on the album is majestic, solemn and profound. It seems to draw its substance from the conceptual Gods Of War, but is devoid of any decorative elements, with surprising accuracy and simplicity. With the classic instrumental part completed by a devastating vocal performance, the song will be a treat for ballad lovers and stir the interest of those with a more sensitive side towards Manowar.

Touch The Sky – is a musical form of the message “believe in yourself”, with Manowar’s typical sound.

Black List - this is a surprise song: a long and resonating bass intro creates the impression of an instrumental track, but things are not as they seem. The unpredictable structure defeats any assumptions, the rhythm is held up by a duel between bass and guitar, and the message is about a situation anyone will find themselves in at some point or another.

Expendable, inspired by the movies The Expendables, has everything it needs to be killer live: its strong tempo invites headbanging, and the chorus is not easy to forget.

El Gringo – the theme song from the movie with the same title is already popular with the fans and topping specialised charts. An interesting song, easy to catch, showing that the band is not exclusively stuck in one style.

Annihilation is, as the name says it, crushing and obsessive, completing the band’s tour de force.

Hail, Kill & Die has an impressive sound and the potential to become an anthem among fans. The song’s force increases as it goes, like thunder, the solo cannot go unnoticed, and the vocals complete the whole like a lightning strike.

In short, the album breathes vigour and is filled with songs that will be a sensation during live shows.

Ruxia Sandru Nota: 9.5