(Rated this album with 6 out of 10) Reviewed by
hawkwinter
from Smithers, BC Canada
After two mediocre albums after a promisng debut, Manowar finally found its self identity with Sign of the Hammer. The album starts with the obligatory heavy metal is the be all and end all of life song, All men Play on Ten, a decent song that just never seems to really hit its stride. I think even a small increase in tempo would have made a world of difference here, taking it from being a good song to a great song. Nevertheless, it has classic manowar lyrics. Track 2 however really bites. In fact what bugs me most is the production here. When everyone screams "I'm an Animal" they're all over the place, no one is singing in any sort of union. The lyrics are a little cheesy even for Manowar. Thor is a great song, showing off Manowars ability to be majestic in their songwriting. Like most songs on this album this song is very un-heavy (if such a word can be created for this purpose). But somehow, it definately has that Manowar sound. This song also kept the evolution of Manowars lyrics pertaining to mythology rather than religion, and with the eighties being bogged down by 100's of Satanic bands, this was a breath of fresh air. Nowadays a lot of progressive speed metal bands sing of Norse mythology, sword and sorcery and so forth, but Manowar was the first to really bring it forth with glory, majesty and no remorse. These guys take their music seriously. Mountains is a weird song, while I will admit that it comes across as boring I've found that I can really relate to this song when in certain moods. The song is very suggestively contemplative. Sign of the Hammer and The Oath again are good Manowar songs, but like the rest of this album, they still lack something that wouldn't appear until the next album and fully blossom until Kings of Metal. Thunderpick is a bass solo that well, let's be honest ...! It might be impressive from a musicians point of view, but as a listener, well, it's just random noise. Guyana is by far my favorite track on this album. This song has that real manowar spirit to it. Brotherhood, oncoming battle and a smug arrogance that is possessed by those who know, not think but KNOW, they are superior. A good album, that would have been great with better production and a little bit more fire
