Customer Reviews

Warriors of the World

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

First of all, I'm into modern euro metal. Some of the bands I enjoy include Stratovarius, Spock's Beard, Arch Enemy, Eternal Tears of Sorrow, the Kovenant, Firewind, Summoning, and Tristania, to name a FEW. This is very atmoshperic - the keyboards are very apparent and extrememly well done. So far, what I'm saying is if you are into modern power metal like Falconer, Lost Horizon, or Firewind (Hammerfall to mention someone popular), you'll still love this.

Again, this is mostly very soft and slow, like Avantasia. If you're into modern euro metal, you just gotta be aware of Tobias's writting talent. On the other hand, "House of Death" is more brutal than a God Dethroned song.

The title track reminds me of a Thy Serpent song, "Only Dust Moves". This song is the song that tought me how beautiful death metal can be. Keyboards and symbols are used left and right in that song. In "Warriors of the World United", we see a slow paced song (Only Dust Moves is slow as molasses) that you cannot help but say is catchy. You will get so drawn into the beat of that song that all you'll want to do is hear more and more and more. The 3 songs after it are the 3 speed demons of the album. Also, track 3 is about 3:20 long and reminds me of the song in Italian (track 7) on Power of the Dragonflame. So if you're familiar with that, that is a prelude to what you'll hear on this CD. If you've heard the title track, most of the songs on the CD have the same beat, just not QUITE as good... still amazing, though.

Sometimes I still can't believe how much I love the majority of this CD, and the title track. Any fan of keyboard-oriented metal (notice the bands I mentioned earlier?) should have plenty of respect for this masterpiece.

Check out my other reviews, if you have the time... ... you know, I only review the good CDs:) Also, do me a favor: make the one click to tell other potential buyers if my review was helpful to you or not. Thanks, and enjoy.

What a mighty record we have here. The Kings of Metal have blessed us again with tunes worthy of gods. Millenia have we waited to hear from them again, but now we have new anthems to be bought into battle and that will surely help us slay the infidels.

Manowar can only stay true to their style. It is the only true form of Metal. As pure as it gets. They have no time for "Whimps and Posers". I expect them never to change their style unless they are affected by an ancient spell. In that case I will gather my warriors and fight against the blasphemous Witch responsible so that they will once again fill our ears with pure melodies.

Call To Arms - 10/10 An Anthem that talks about brave warriors and how we must follow in their footsteps. When the call comes we must gather our steed, armour, and strength and rush into battle. With this hymn we are reminded of the sure victory awaiting us. Those who defend the kingdom and are slain will always be in our hearts.

Fight For Freedom - 8/10 A mighty tune. Reminds us that brave warriors have already fought for our freedom. There have been many great battles and there will be many more still to be fought. We must approach the battlefields with pride and with our women and children in our thoughts and hearts.

Nessun Dorma - 6/10 - Vincero. I will win. At dawn the battle will be over and the enemies will be lying on the reddened fields.

Valhalla - n/a - An ode to our comrades who have fallen in battle and are now being greeted at the Gates of Valhalla.

Swords In The Wind - 10/10 - A mighty song that tells us how to fight. We are all Oden's children and those who fight with honor will be welcomed to valhalla were our brothers are waiting for them. We must have no fear. So when we are falling, we must laugh at our death.

An American Trilogy - 6/10 - Again we must be reminded of past wars, the pain, and the glorious outcomes.

The March - n/a - another interlude that prepares us for the greatest hymn of all time.

Warriors Of The World - 10/10 - The greatest war hymn ever. Calling all true warriors to unite and gather strength for a mighty clash with the enemy.

Hand Of Doom - 8/10 - A fast song that fills our souls with energy that we must unleash upon the infidels. Ours will be their hand of doom. We must tear their flesh limb by limb and feed it to wolves.

House Of Death - 7/10 - Like the previous poem, we are told how to fight and slain the enemy. We must kill and fight.

Fight Until We Die - 9/10 - Another fast tune that sounds like thousands of knights charging into hords of barbarian beasts. We ask the Gods of Thunder Fire and Rain to let us fight to the best of our skills and that they must let us die if our time comes.

Conclusion: Hail Manowar, Hail!!!

This is a band that has been around for 22 years, and with each subsequent release, they stay true to what they have always been about: Defenders of the Metal faith. For those uninformed, Manowar are comprised of incredible musicians, capable of makeing whatever kind of music they want. In their case its balls to the wall Metal. This album showcases the range and scope of just how great of a unit they are. The songs themes revolve around pride & honour. From the opening track (Call to Arms) to the last (Fight Until We Die) they fight for the revelance of heavy metal music in a day in age where watered down corporate manipulated music that has all but eliminated "True Metal" from their agenda. The production is top notch (mighty and powerful) and the song selection is varied and diverse. This album is worth the purchase for just "Nessun Dorma" alone. I have heard many versions of this opera aria, from Pavoratti to Aretha Franklin, and this version is the best Ive ever heard. Eric Adams sings this song with so much passion and conviction, that every time I hear it I get choked up. "Vincero!" .....Ive heard many people (90% american kids that listen to Nu-Metal and/or Metal in general) say how they hate Manowar, saying "They [are bad]", "They are so cheesy"....etc. I believe the reason for this is because they have been led by the nose by corporate america and listen to Linkin Park or Korn and things like that. They are Sheep being led by a deceptive Shepard. Its unfortunate that they are not able to see, hear & recognize the awesome talent, power & majesty that is Manowar. Listening to this band can only do one thing: Lift your spirit up to where eagles fly! ....Hail & Kill !!! (ps. "An American Trilogy" [Which is a tribute to Elvis], is awesome and tells you that they don't care about trends and trying to be cool!)

To me Manowar has always been quite hit or miss, especially on their own albums. For instance, on Kings of Metal, you had two of the more uplifting songs ever--"Heart of Steel" and "Hail and Kill"--side by side with "Pleasure Slave." Hail to England produced the majestic "Blood of My Enemies," the heartfelt "Army of Immortals," and the epic "Bridge of Death," but seemed rather monotonous otherwise.

They keep up this trend with Warriors of the World, though I have to say they hit it a lot better on this one. The traditional songs are not pretentious--they know it's all about killing the unbelievers, the posers (a term I've heard Manowar coined) and spreading the metal word. They may not in themselves be unique by Manowar standards, but they are certainly enjoyable and get your heart pounding. The production is flawless.

Much has been said about the departure from tradition, with the inclusion of "Nessun Dorma" (excellently done and works), "An American Trilogy" (I'm not a fan, but can appreciate it), "The March" (yeah, that was the big failure of the album), and "The Fight for Freedom" About the latter--no, it was NOT a tribute to September 11. Eric Adams has gone on record saying that song was written and recorded before the terrorist attacks. The idea it is a tribute is simply coincidental.

Is the album perfect? No. Is it worthy of Manowar? I certainly think so. It isn't a big departure from their normal style--but why fix what isn't broken? I certainly recommend it.

This was my first experience with Manowar, and I am impressed. Their lyrics are somewhat untraditional with heavy references to Nordic mythology and history. However, most of the tracks have a driving, exciting feel that really pump you up as you listen.

My favorite track on this CD is "Call to Arms". It's a rallying song that would be great either playing games (where I first heard it), or say, starting a sporting event. "Warriors of the World" also has this feel of getting everyone all riled up for something exciting to happen.

However there are also some calmer tracks on the CD, some of which are instrumental. One song, "Nessun Dorma" is done entirely in Italian with an operatic feel, and is a tribute to the mother of one of the band members. Needless to say, it is not metal at all.

If you were unfamiliar with the group, a first listen of this CD would probably make you think that not all these songs were performed by the same band. This CD is a showcase of the many talents of this group, because they can make both awesome and beautiful music at will.

Not only are they talented musicians, but contrary to a lot of metal groups, they can also sing as well as scream.

I would encourage a first time listener to preview "Call to Arms". If you don't feel awesome after hearing it, this CD may not be for you.

One of the best albums in the history of metal. Period. Go into battle with this!

I was a true swedish ManOwaR fan during the 80's from the first record to 'Sign of the Hammer'. When ManOwaR released 'Fightning the World' I was put down. In my opinion the band had giving in to the forces of commersialism and played music bordering on false metal. I didn't pick up a new record until a heard a sample of 'The Triumph of Steel'. Well, they no longer played false metal alright but it didn't sound like the classical ManOwaR, more like contemporary death metal. And I could't come to terms with the fact that Scott Columbus and Ross the Boss had left the band since the late 80's. Now, I always have liked and loved the classical ManOwaR period and continued to listen to the classical four (Battle Hymns, Into Glory Ride, Hail to England and Sign of the Hammer). When they released the two live albums in the late 90's, 'Hell on Wheels' and 'Hell on Stage', althought I only heard samples, I was stunned by the power and impact of the energy and sound. They really did justice to the classical songs and played the newer material in a more true way, and as a bonus Scott was back in the band! In my opinion, a band is defined by it's live acts and a good live record. Well the band put out two really good live records on a row, again showing their balls while standing up towards the record industry. ManOwaR really showed their love for their fans and I quickly fell in love again, in time for their new studio release.
What can I say about 'Warriors of the World'. I have listened to it repetively during the last day or so. My first impression was: "Oh my, what a strange record!" Now I say: "What balls to put this diverse kind of material together!" It's still a stange record but it really grows in a short moment of time. It's not a masterpeace however, not compared to the classical ManOwaR era anyway (ManOwaR can't be compared to other acts because of the originality of the band).
The first notes on the opening song 'Call to Arms' is reminicent of the band Therion (a Swedish act (which by the way did a cover of Thor (The Powerhead) on their recent album) distinguised by its gothic sound and use of choirs). The rest is reminecent of 'Blood on My Enemies'. It is monotone, primitive with a heavy ponding rythm, supported by classical ManOwaR lyrics. A really good song filled with honor and dark ambience.
Right away from the second song the record takes a drasticly different direction. 'The Fight for Freedom' is really a song for Americans and the patriotic sentimens strikes discordia in my being. Besides a quite o.k. chorus, the rest of the song is totally uninteresting. I have really thought of ManWaR not as a patriotic band towards an existing country but towards their own legions of Army of Immortals. What can I say, a strike of false metal?
From the third song the record travels on uncharted territory. The very personal interpretation of the classical act 'Nessun Dorma' is the kind of thing that really evokes my respect for the band. It is in the tradition of Joey's muscular bass solo numbers that has become a tradition on almost every album. Now it is time for Eric Adams to show the abilities of his voice, and it's an equal match to Joey's thunderpicks! I really like the closing of the song with the heavy chord and screaming heavy metal voice, which show the humor of the band. A nice break from the seriousness that sometimes can affect this band.
'Valhalla' is actually dedicated to me as a Swedish resident. It's quite a ordinary electronic overture which fits nicely with the next song 'Swords in the Wind'. This song is a really good ManOwaR ballad, filled with Norse mythology, death and honor, everyting that one can ask from ManOwaR. The heavy section fits in nicely and all in all this will become a true classical ManOwaR act.
Just as everyone expects the rest of the album develope according to classical ManOwaR lines the band instead chooses to do a cover of the song 'An American Triology' filled with strong american sentiments, again to strong for my taste. However, the closing heavy metal riffs eases the mood. The somewhat self-ironic tone of the song makes the band excused. It can be proof of their balls to do what they feel like to do. It remains, however, that the song isn't going to be one of my favorites.
The next composition, 'The March' is a tribute to Richard Wagner, with nice electronic ambience of a orchestral flavour. As I am into Wagner myself, I can easely go along for the trip. Somehow this is a prelude to the last 1/3 section of the record which ends in heavy death metal ambience. The last four songs is really worth the buy of the record in their own right.
'Warriors of the World United' is a good ponding and heavy track in the tradion of the opening act. It is somehow reminicent of classical Judas Priest but that isn't to obvious to be a flaw by itself. It will become a good live track, I am sure.
The last three songs are of the same kind, heavy, fast and raw metalmania. The ambience is dark, bordering on death metal, with classical dark ManOwaR lyrics. 'Hand of Doom' is the best track on the album and probably one of the best overall songs in the carrier of ManOwaR. 'House of Death' and 'Fight Until We Die' is almost as good and already classical ManOwaR acts. This is the kind of ManOwaR we expect to hear in the 21'st century.

I'm so sick and tired of hearing people trash this album. This is, simply put, THE best Manowar album to date. If you think THIS album sucks, listen to all that crap MTV plays! Who would you rather listen to, Manowar or Gay, er Good Charlotte? I rest my case. Now with that said, I will now get into the album. This is actually the first Manowar album I bought. I first heard of Manowar two years ago when I bought the Metal Blade Records 20th Anniversary Box Set, whhich had the song "Manowar" on disc 8, and "Warriors of the World (United)" and "House of Death" on disc 9. They became my favorite band since and I've been looking up their albums on the internet listening to samples to see which one I liked best. I decided to choose this as my first Manowar album. For a while, I've told myself to get it the enxt time I go to best buy or order from Amazon, but I kept on forgetting. Until one day, I finally got my copy of this album. I can't stop listening to this album! At the time I am writing this review, I am even listening to it right now! The band is very talented. Eric Adams is one of metal's (no, NOT just Power Metal) best singers. Joey DeMaio has got to be THE most underrated bassist of all time, right up there with Danny Lilker! He has some of the best bass-lines I've heard! Guitarist Karl Logan also has soem sweet solos here. He is always bashed for "not being as good as Ross 'The Boss' Funicello". Damn what they say, I think Karl can be JUST as good as Ross. And of course we have THE Scott Columbus pounding the skins. Or should I say TINS (pun intended)! He is so wild a drummer he has to use a drum kit with parts of metal instead of wood and skin! This is possibly my favorite album right now. In my collection of over 350 CDs, this is possibly my favorite one of all. The album starts with Call to Arms, it's vintage Manowar! The next song is "The Fight For Freedom", a touching tribute to the victums and those who have been affected by 9/11/01. The lyrics are amazing, seriously how does Joey DeMaio manage to write so much good music since Manowar was formed in 1979? The next song, "Nessun Dorma" is a song sung in Italian that is dedicated to Eric's mother Lillian, who passed away while the album was in progress. My favorite song here is "Warriros of the World (United)", making it my ALL-TIME favorite song! This is my theme song; words can't do it justice, you must hear it to truly appreciate it! "Hand of Doom" is my second favorite song, it's also the heaviest song on the album. "House of Death" is like a HOD pt 2, but it's not as heavy for good, but it still rules. I love all the songs here, but the above mentioned tracks are my favorites. This is a good introduction to Manowar. I reccomend starting a Manowar collection with this album. You might not agree with it being their best album, but you'll might agree with one thing: It's an exeelent album. Warriors of the World showcases Manowar's ability to show their old fans they still got it, and they will never disappoint.
Ratings:
1. Call to Arms 5/5
2. Fight for Freedom 5/5
3. Nessun Dorma 5/5
4. Valhalla 5/5
5. Swords in the Wind 5/5
6. American Trilogy 5/5
7. March 5/5
8. Warriors of the World (United) infinite/5
9. Hand of Doom 5/5
10. House of Death 5/5
11. Fight Until We Die 5/5

This CD has it's excellent points, it's good points, and maybe one bad point. First off, the excellent points. The songs "Call To Arms," "Warriors Of The World United," "Hand of Doom," "House of Death," and "Fight Until We Die" are all what fans of the Kings of Metal would expect: Hard, heavy, and brutal! ("House of Death" has to be one of the most brutal Manowar songs I've heard so far.) "Swords in the Wind/Valhalla" are nice ballads done in classic Manowar style. "Fight For Freedom" borders on excellence in my opinion, with a positive message that encapsulates the American Spirit. "Nessun Dorma" and "An American Trilogy" are both very nicely done, once you get past the shock of hearing Eric Adams sing opera and Elvis. "The March" is just "eh;" It's just an intrumental and a cheesy one at that. But overall, the good far outweighs the bad on this CD in my opinion. Buy it if you're a fan of Manowar and if you're prepared for a couple of surprises.

Let's get one thing straight right off the bat- I'm a huge Manowarrior. I own every album, have seen them 3 times in concert and met them twice. I waited impatiently for what seemed like an eternity for the new CD from the Metal Kings. And finally they gave it to us- "Warriors Of The World". The first track, "Call To Arms", is a true Manowar number- powerful riffing, lethal vocals and a sound capable of blowing even the most hardened of eardrums. It's sad that after that, it slips somewhat. "Fight For Freedom" isn't too bad, but it's no "Blow Your Speakers" or "Hail And Kill"...., the middle part of the CD is hardly worth mentioning...sorry, but for me, opera and Elvis do NOT belong on a Manowar CD. PERIOD. Fortunately, the CD is saved by the last four songs on the disc- the landmark "Warriors Of The World United", "Hand Of Doom", "House Of Death" and "Fight Until We Die". If you could take the first song and the last four and put them together, you'd have a real Manowar CD that would have been worth the long wait that we had to endure. As it is, it's not really a bad CD- I'd still recommend buying it before touching any of that "nu-metal" [stuff]- but for someone who is discovering Manowar for the first time, I'd recommend Fighting The World or Louder Than Hell for your first experience.