MANOWAR Into Glory Ride has to take the cake as one of THE worst album covers ever. Once you get past the cringe worthiness of four grown men in loin cloths and barbarian fur, you’re in for a treat with some great tunes from this their second album from 1983.
The Song “Warlord” is a solid rock opener . Like I said on the review of their first album I wonder why they chose to open the album with this one as I don’t feel is really represents their style. Not that it’s a bad song, it actaully pretty good but again it feels like its there to ease you into the record gently. The second track “The Secret of Steel” is more like it. A slower more brooding number starting the bands obession with all things metal and steel. The song is slow and allows Eric’s magnificent voice to soar above all and also allows Joey’s bass playing to shine through well.
Next up is the gloriously cheesy “Gloves of Metal”. I like this song and always have but I can’t help wonder if the band are either taking themselves a bit too seriously or having a joke at their own expense. Either way another slow heavy little number. I still remember the video clip for this one oh dear. This is one of those bands I really love but I also feel like its not a clip you can show anyone outside the manowar circle.
“Gates of Valhalla” and “Hatred” follow in the slower to mid paced vein. I never noticed this before but there doesn’t seem to be any faster songs on this album. They all have that heavily orchestrated brooding feeling. The pace picks up a little with “Revelation” which feels more like the Manowar we hear nowadays with a galloping feel throughout the song. Though out the whole album everyone performs magnificently esepcially Eric Adams whose voice now is virtually singular in its ability to rise above all others.
Last up is the epic “March for Revenge” a fitting way to close this Epic album. Whatever you think of Manowar you have to admire their commitment to the imagery and quest. Hail and Kill!
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