I’m a long time fan of Manowar. I love how over the top everything they do is. I have to say Manowar Battle Hymns contains some A grade cheese. The album opens up with “Death Tone”, it’s kind of a Judas Priest rocker musically, but allows Eric Adams’ amazing voice to shine through rather well. There’s also some great guitar solos on this song. I do however have to question the logic of using this is as the first song on the first album. You only make one first impression and this isn’t (In my opinion) representative of what the band do. Next up “Metal Daze” this is a great song, and something we can all bang our heads to. The song went on to become a staple of their live set, probably even to this day. Why didn’t they open up with this one? This is the Manowar we know and love!
Next up “Fast Taker” another great song. By this point in the album it becomes clear that Manowar are already accomplished musicians. This song allows Virtuoso bass player Joey DeMaio a chance to shine though with a couple of bass guitar leads (yes you read that right). There’s not one note out of time or place on this and the production is already light years of many up and coming bands putting out first album. Manowar are NOT the band to do anything by halves and coming out with a debut album that sounds this good is really something. The first side finishes up with “Shell Shock” a song about returning from ‘nam. This again is a little heavy on the cheese but also allows for some glorious extended guitar solos from Ross “the Boss” Friedman, and Erics voice soars to even greater heights.
I’m always blown away when I hear this record, and now it’s time to flip the thing over and hear the second side, which starts off with crowd favourite “Manowar”. This song tells the story of the formation of the band in which they left their jobs as roadies (Joey and Ross were roadies for Black Sabbath when they met) and they asked the “High command” (Dio) for permission to leave and form their own band! Legendary Stuff! “Dark Avenger” is next an epic track featuring the voice of Orson Wells who provided a narration. This is an epic song and probably the first glimpse into the epic song writing that the band would become known for in later albums. Next up “Williams Tale” a re-working of the William Tell theme provides a vehicle for Joey to show off on bass and assert his superiority over virtually every other bass player that came before him. The album closes with “Battle Hymn” possibly the most epic song ever written in Heavy Metal up until that point. The song telling the story of a warriors passing into the golden halls of Valhalla.
Manowar play with a passion, and level of skill which up to this point, I don’t think had ever been displayed on a record in Heavy Metal. Everything on this album is perfect. Whether you like this band or not (and plenty of people don’t) no one can deny this bands skill. As a punter the only thing I’d change is the track listing. If it were me, I’d label side “B” as the start of the album and “A” as the second side. The Song “Manowar” would have been a kick ass way to introduce the world to this band.
This is the most epic of any bands debut albums. And also one of the best. So far the only debut albums I think that would rank along side this are Black Sabbath, Megadeth and Slayer. Don’t take my word for it though, hear it and experience it for yourself.
“One thing really sets me free… Heavy Metal as loud as it can be!”
For more great heavy metal album reviews be sure to keep checking back on Metalhed.com as regularly as you can!