Fighting the World

by

Manowar

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Obviously Mr. T. Hardin is suffering from some musical mental problems. He would apparently refer the knuckle-dragging, amateurish, talentless stylings of the hundreds of bands that play the same three notes a thousand beats per minute while some oaf screams and growls unintelligible garble supposedly using all sorts of elaborate words for 'kill' that neither the band nor the fans know how to use or say properly.

OK, now that I've gotten that rant over with, let me continue on to what you really want to read. This was actually the very first Manowar album I heard. A friend picked it up the day it came out, let me borrow it after he listened to it once, and never got it back (sorry Darren). I was forever hooked. The first half of the album is classic, well produced, straight ahead metal. Fantastic, clear solos on each song. The title track is a classic Manowar anthem. It sums up what they are quite well. 'Blow Your Speakers' is not only another trademark metal anthem, but is also the closest Manowar has gotten to an actual "hit" in the U.S. "Carry On", one of my instant favorites, is and inspirational rally cry; the kind Manowar is known for, among other things. "Violence and Bloodshed' is a fast and furious return to the Heavy Metal beginnings and Vietnam theme that hasn't been seen since the first album "Battle Hymns". All in all the first half of this album is just in your face heavy metal.

The second half is a return to the days of long, long ago. 'Defender' is one of the last things that the late, great Orson Welles ever did before his passing. I listened to this track at least 200 times in the first week I had this album. It aptly sets the tone for the rest of the record. A rich narrative that opens to a powerful crash of truly heavy metal. From this point on, this album does it all. Beautifully clear and powerful bass lines. Articulate and soaring lead solos. Earth shaking Drums. And the absolute best vocals on any recording of the time. 'Drums of Doom' pounds you into 'Holy War' like a charging team of mammoth beasts which then throws you into the 'Master of Revenge', a mystical segue into 'Black Wind, Fire and Steel' which blinds all with the relentless speed and accuracy of both music and lyrics. All done at a rate that almost defies logic. Manowar have definitely cemented there place as the Kings of Metal with this album forevermore. All those who refuse to believe it can go back their amateurs and goons. Leave us and make room for the true men of heavy metal.

This record was the one that ended my passionate relationship with ManOwaR. Listening to samples I found it to catchy and commercial. Today I bought it and listened through the whole album for the first time. I have listened to it the whole day and must say that I judged it harsh and predisposed back in 1987. The typical ManOwaR album of the 80's always had its strongest moments during the second half of the album. The final two or three songs always were the strongest. This is even more obvious with this album. The first three songs represents the band's flirts with commercialism. From the fourth track and onwards, it is the ManOwaR of the old.

The title track is catchy and have pounding heavy rythm, with good guitar play on it. Not many like it but I do. I even like the lyrics wich feels true to the heart.

I remember the video for the track 'Blow your speakers'. It was the first time that I saw a performance by the band, so it is quite nostalgic to hear the song. But honestly, it feels like ManOwaR has tried to do a follow up to 'All Men Play on Ten', like KISS did with 'Shout it out Loud' as a follow up on 'Rock And Roll All Nite', and both band fails in this effort.

Many fans like 'Carry On' but I am not one of them. It is quite obvious that this record attracted newer fans to the band of quite different calibre compared to the veterans. The song isn't all bad but it isn't a ManOwaR song, period.

After this relatively poor opening of the record the ambience changes completely. Again we hear the storytelling side of ManOwaR, filled with rage, violence and honour. The track 'Violence and Bloodshed' is written in the tradition of 'Death Tone', 'Shell Shock', and 'Warlord' as it tells the story about vietnam veterans. It is heavy and agressive with explicit lyrics.

'Defender' is the real gem of this record. Originally recorded as a 12" back in 1982, in the spirit of 'Battle Hymns' and 'Into Glory Ride', it again features Orson Welles, now as the father writing a powerful letter to his only begotten son. It is gothic, ambient and almost brings me to tears. The chorus is absolutely beutiful! I never had the opportunity to hear the original version but it have been said that it is even better than this version. But the version on this record is brilliant enough, and together with 'Dark Avenger' and 'Revelation (Death's Angel)' represents the best work that ManOwaR has done, ever.

The last tracks of the album is worked into a whole and tells us stories about battles, blood and honour, as could be expected of ManOwaR. They are written in the best of ManOwaR tradition and together with 'Defender' saves the record. 'Holy War' is brillant and very original track. The twin bassdrumming style of Scott Columbus is unparallelled and constitutes his trademark. The lyrics is especially good on this song.

'Master of Revenge' makes me think of 'Hatred', and even if 'Black Wind, Fire and Steel' feels a bit repetetive it represents a powerful ending of this second phase of the record. Again Scott's drumming is unmistakeble.