(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
Stanley Runk
from Madison, WI United States
Manowar is looked upon as godly(the fans are hardcore, more than just about any group you can think of)or thought of as heavy metal's biggest joke. This was my first taste of Manowar back in the day, and I was a little confused about it at first. I wasn't sure if they were trying to be funny or not. Well, since I got more into them over the years I know that these guys are dead serious about what they're doing. They're music and image is extremely cornball, I would hope even the most hardcore fan could admit to seeing a bit of humor in it all. But to me, that's all a part of what makes Manowar Manowar. These guys are the epitome of male ma-cheese-mo; I mean, they're the total embodiment of tough guy-Conan-badass-motorcycle riding-sexist-violent maleness taken to it's most extreme. It makes you want to strip down to your undies and run about the house wielding an invisible sword while munching on a giant turkey leg. And that's just the way they portray themselves. But, for all of this braggadocio these guys really do know how to play, they're not all about image. Eric Adams has one helluva voice though it sounds like he's straining too hard on the high notes. When you listen to his raspy high pitched scream, you can just envision him with a blue face, veins bulging, on the verge of his head exploding. That's a singer. So, say what you want about them, but there's only one Manowar. If you're curious, it wouldn't hurt to give this album a spin. I would think most heavy metal fans will get something out of Manowar, even if it is only a good laugh. I think you'd have to be a real stiff to wholeheartedly say that you "hate" them, but there are certainly many out there who do. However, there isn't one group in existence that isn't hated by someone somewhere. So, give these guys a shot; For better or worse, you'll always remember them.
