Can you imagine back in the early days of Metal? Joey DeMaio was working as a bass tech / pyrotechnic for BLACK SABBATH and had a dream to be the loudest and heaviest metal icons in music.

Well, MANOWAR started back in the Eighties with an explosive unit of thigh rockers that became just that. Their first demo came in 1981 with two tracks “Battle Hymn” & “Shellshock” and to follow in 1983 was the original version of their mega anthem “Defender” which was re-released on Geffen Records in 1993. A decade of music under their belts and conquering the European market MANOWAR will offer up their new release in the United States on April 3rd called "Gods of War". It’s been a long wait after "Warrior of the World" their last CD five years ago.

"Gods of War", is an epic CD dedicated to Odin with sixteen tracks. Now listening to new tracks I am not sure if I am listening to a movie soundtrack, a play soundtrack, a metal CD or a trilogy. At times I feel I am in the church choir and at times I feel like I am on the mountain looking for the Holy Grail.

“Overture to the Hymn of the Immortal Warriors” I feel the power of entering the heavens with an uplifting song, purely an instrumental delight that will be gobbled up by churchgoers. I particularly like the track because I was a fan of the band ANGEL back in the eighties and the first couple tracks are reminiscent of them.

Eric Adams melodic vocals are masterful and chilling while Joey DeMaio, Karl Logan and Scott Columbus are vessels to the heart that give MANOWAR their trademark sound. Logan is mystical with his leads on “Sleipnir” as DeMaio and Columbus hook up for the thumbing midsection.

“Blood Brothers” is slow and melodic but is one of the best tracks showing the versatility in MANOWAR and the range Adams’ possesses. It might be a bit to slow for the metaheads, but for sure is a highlight track.

“Gods of War” is a carefully orchestrated outing for MANOWAR and some fans and critics might be turned off to so much narration and classical overtones, but it also could bring in a full new legion of followers that will bring even more attention. For myself I liked the CD but I also felt that there was too much narration to the point that it hindered my enjoyment for the music. If some of the narration was omitted this could be a five star release, but since it’s there and this effort lost some of its luster because of it, the rating will drop it to four stars. Nonetheless this is some of the best MANOWAR music in some time and fans will enjoy the tunes… especially those Viking metalers!!!