(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
thejeffdecker5
from Edison, New Jersey USA
I first heard Manowar's music back in 1985. At the time I was a huge Iron Maiden fan (Still am).But when I bought Battle hymns (On cassette- Ha Ha)and listened to it from beginning to end I knew I had me a new favorite group.I couldn't get enough of this album.It sounded unlike anything else out at the time(Even though it was 3 years old already). It did not have that Prototypical Heavy Metal sound to it either.In fact the first 4 tracks on the album are pretty much straight ahead Hard rock songs.The last 4 songs( even "Williams tale" which is Bassist Joey DeMaio proving that the bass can be a lead instrument too) are what set Manowar apart from the rest of the pack.From the song titled after the group "Manowar" to the Orson Welles narrated " Dark Avenger" and finally the title track, they took Heavy Metal to a new dimension.All the musicians in this band are great and play their own unique styles. But I was totally blown away by the vocal ability of singer Eric Adams. This is definitely an album that has stood the test of time. It is a must for any fan of Manowar, Heavy Metal/Hard Rock or people with good taste.I own every Manowar album and I would have to rate this in the top three(3)of all of their albums.
