Manowar Albums Ranked
Manowar is an American heavy metal band from Auburn, New York. Formed in 1980, the group is known for lyrics based on fantasy (particularly sword and sorcery) and mythology (particularly Norse mythology and Greco-Roman mythology), as well as numerous songs celebrating the genre and its core audience. The band is also known for a loud and emphatic sound. In an interview for MTV in February 2007, bassist Joey DeMaio lamented that “these days, there’s a real lack of big, epic metal that is drenched with crushing guitars and choirs and orchestras… so it’s nice to be one of the few bands that are actually doing that”. In 1984, the band was included in the Guinness Book of World Records for delivering the loudest performance, a record which they have since broken on two occasions. They also hold the world record for the longest heavy metal concert after playing for five hours and 1 minute in Bulgaria (at Kavarna Rock Fest) in 2008. Here are all of Manowar albums ranked.
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8. Into Glory Ride (1983)
“”Into Glory Ride” is a very fine album, every bit as good as the much more famous ”Kings of Metal” (1988) or ”The Triumph of Steel” (1992). It contains seven songs only, but all of them are rather complex compositions, with lots of memorable riffs, wild guitar solos, insanely virtuoso bass playing and simply stunning vocals. Despite its charmingly naughty intro, ”Warlord” is definitely the weakest song, yet it makes an entertaining listening. ”Gates of Valhalla”, ”Secret of Steel” and ”March for Revenge” are, I have the audacity to suggest, some of the finest examples of epic heavy metal ever recorded.”
7. Anthology (1997)
“A great collection, not as many ballads as other “hits” albums they have released, some of my fav songs including Blood Of The Kings and Demons Whip. They were probably the first band to co-opt viking/norse mythology in their image and lyrics, which is original, but personally I don’t care much for lyrical themes, I take in the vibe of the music as a whole.”
6. Battle Hymns (1982)
“It’s an excellent metal album with tasty guitar by Ross Friedman or if you like “Ross the Boss.” I consider the song “Shell Shock” a heavy metal classic both in lyrics and sound. The band obviously puts thought into their lyrics. The material isn’t like some metal bands where their whole lyrical repertoire is partying, sex or lyrics about love.”
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5. The Triumph Of Steel (1992)
“The album is basically a lineup of great songs, it could have been a best-of-the album, for all I know. Spirit Horse of the Cherokee, a hymn to the native American braves, a very catchy tune, that gets the blood pumping. Among other favorites are, The Power of Thy Sword, a traditional Manowar battle hymn, but so well done that it ranks among their best ever. The Demons Whip, a song that starts out slow, but picks up until it reaches an insane pace. The last track Master of the Wind is probably Manowar’s ultimate power-ballad, powerful, emotional, grand.”
4. Sign Of The Hammer (1984)
“The album opens with the absolutely brilliant “All Men Play On Ten” which is like some kind of Heavy Metal mixture between Kiss’ “I Love It Loud” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Working For MCA” with its storytelling approach and behind-the-scenes setting, coupled with the love of high amplifier volumes. Musically, a bit of a slow groover, with lots of neat guitar work and a chorus designed for singing along to.”
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3. Fighting The World (1987)
“Excellent album and as far as I can tell, one of Manowar’s best. Every track gets the blood pumping with fury. The stand outs are Fighting The World, Holy War and Black Wind, Fire And Steel. Defender is a nice track with Orson Welles lending his booming voice to the triumph and the glory. If you love true metal, and you don’t own this album, than get it now!”
2. Hail To England (1984)
“The music on this CD has a raw, primal feel to it. It’s kind of like they took the best songs from “Battle Hymns” (“Dark Avenger” and “Battle Hymn,” to be exact) and built on the foundations of these songs, distilling the sounds and intensifying the lyrics. The result is awesome! “Blood Of My Enemies” could almost be titled as “Battle Hymn, Part Two,” as the song structures of both songs are very similar. “Each Dawn I Die” is an intriguing track; I like the unique drum beat and Eric’s vocals are nicely utilized here. “Kill With Power” is a definite Manowar staple. The title track is an early example of just how majestic Manowar can be, simply an awesome song. “Army Of The Immortals” is a tribute to all the dedicated Manowar fans of the world.”
1. Kings Of Metal (1988)
“Kings Of Metal was the self-produced classic sixth full-length album by the legendary US Heavy Metal veterans Manowar, released on Atlantic in late 1988. It is one of the fan favourite Manowar albums that contains some of their most beloved and best known tracks that still endure in the setlist to this day.”