I can't say that I didn't expect this, but it actually came to be, and right in the face. With what seemed to be like the large majority of the Israeli Metal scene, all converged under the same roof, the same venue that hosted legends of Metal and Rock in the image of MEGADETH and WHITESNAKE, a vast sea of hands followed by incredible war cries for blood said it all. It was finally Israel's MANOWAR time, simply put and sealed in steel. I believe that this time around Progstage Productions really outdone themselves by bringing one of the legendary Heavy Metal bands of all time, gods among the many best that the Metal music industry has to offer, an inspiring figure and a reason to live, be and die as a Metalhead. MANOWAR might have been a band to wait for, as for Israel is something in the range of three decades, and it has been quite a while since their career shook the ground worldwide, but they are finally here, at the Hangar 11, ready to strike down in the name of the purity of Metal against anything that is false and tainted.
 

Following a dramatic, almost movie like, hymn to guide them to the stage, the Metal warriors assembled with the lights' dim. Armed with their swords, wearing an armor of leather and steel, they marched on to meet the Israeli Metal army. Smoke was in the air, hearts burning with desire, celebrating the champions for the incoming loud sounded setting that would soon erupted even the best ear plugs. MANOWAR pounded with the first round of classics from their discography, crushing skulls with "Manowar", shedding blood of the impure with "Blood Of My Enemies", rejoicing the Israeli Metal army for the sounds and sing along of "Brothers Of Metal", signing the hammer with the ultimate classic following the identical title, "Sign Of The Hammer", riding with the guitar blasting mayhem of "The Lord Of Steel", the single good song off their 2012's album by the same name, and plunging the blade deep in the flesh with amazing Heavy / Speed Metal decisive "The Dawn Of Battle". Eric Adams retained his past skill, showing his amazing singing quality that really took me off guard, especially with the high register raspy tones that were close to perfection, endlessly pointing with a commanding stare for the audience to raise their fists. Joey DeMaio was solid still in his place with weapon in hand, but it was evident that he was running the show, the leader of men. Karl Logan, guitar, was as stellar as on the albums he recorded with the band while also mastering the early lead guitaring of the older songs with class. Donnie Hamzik engulfed with his skins control, destroying with the best drumming tenacity. Frankly, I was expecting more of the old school material, but I gathered that it would probably be later, and to be honest, I didn't check the band's previous setlists of the tour in order to keep the expectancy rate as high as possible. The weird thing was that there were no gestures towards the audience through these six songs, rather unusual to say the least, but later MANOWAR corrected that impression entirely.
 

After these few selective hits, it was time to deliver the main course, the festivities for the "Kings Of Metal MMXIV", which also reflected this here tour following its release. Surely one of MANOWAR's celebrated albums of cutting edge Traditional Metal, and it still is today, makes you want to raise your fist against all your enemies. Other than just let the audience take a listening to the legendary storytelling epos of "The Warrior's Prayer", a video was channeled showing a partial studio appearance of the narrator and boy, posing as grandfather and grandson, along with a medieval sceneries of fighting men and old allegiance pledges. Quite impressive and immensely graphic. Then with the final shout of the narrator on film of "They Were The Kings Of Metal", in exchange of the old phrasing on the original album "They Were The Metal Kings", MANOWAR charged the stage again with "Blood Of The Kings", letting everyone know that the album's setting was re-arrange for a full scale live admittance. Through the songs the world's nation flags were displayed on screen, and of course when the Israeli flag emerged the crowd loudly cheered. The hymn "Kingdom Come" followed next, sweeping the audience to the bursting sound of the chorus. The following emotive ballad "Heart of Steel" showcased the MANOWAR crew sitting down on the stage, conveying the song's true feel to their spectators, relying such an amazing output the turned heavier as the song progressed, truly one of the best performances of the entire setlist. Right afterwards it was Joey's time to show his worth, and believe me his skills and rate are much more than the term "worth". Playing a sort of a mixture between a newly written solo maneuver along with the emblazing "Sting of the Bumblebee", Joey was certainly in the house, what a spectacular show, hard to take one's eyes off this shred playing. With the sting falling to a close, the all so known engine start and roar filled the air, as the original album opener, "Wheels of Fire", sailed across the venue, displaying an inflamed band putting out a Speed Metal attack only to summon an echo of the true MANOWAR anthem, for all the warriors gathered, "Hail and Kill". Through the screen there was a slowly ruptured wall, with the signals for the crowd to scream their guts out for the warriors on stage to hail and to kill, purely a sweeping anthem that got elevated live, a memorable moment of joy that is hard to forget. I must mention, before the next in line, that between songs on the "Kings Of Metal" setlist, MANOWAR displayed various videos showing the remaking of "Kings Of Metal" along with footage from the era of the original album. Honestly it looked rather odd at first, especially with the band going on and off the stage between songs, talk about onstage workout, but generally, the whole felt like a sort of a theatrical / movie routine, probably would have managed one or two songs in exchange, yet it turned out quite ok. And the last on the piece, before the glorious encore, was the ultimate "Kings Of Metal", one of the top notch Heavy Metal songs ever written, strong sing along with the crowd answering Adams' call that MANOWAR kills. I banged my head crazy on this one, because it was the only thing that was right to do. Right when the song was about to end, Adams thanked the crowed for coming over, while Logan delivered a shredding solo right until the final shot.
 

Just when I was thinking to myself, "damn, where is the much better acknowledgement to everyone that came over?", there was a sudden boom, and then another, like a thunder in the sky. And there he was, Joey DeMaio, only with a microphone and a beer can in hands. Unexpectedly, he started talking the audience in Hebrew, a bit crooked, probably translated from English, but he showed promise in mastering the pronunciation of the words. Thanking the crowd for coming and showing the band's aspiration to come over and play here again and again. Then he said something that really had the audience cheering with the intensity. He said that whoever dislikes Israel, should fuck himself. Wow, that was really unexpected but it was a giver and a taker, everyone were swept away with pride. Thundering its way out of the stage, another video was on display, preparing to welcome one of the best versions made for the hit "Warriors Of The World United", the moment where it was my sole pride to be a Metalhead. Though I have always been, such moments like this, looking around and see thousands with the sign of the hammer, I felt even more proud in my Metal religion than ever. With a fist in the air I sang along with everyone this song's mighty chorus, all of us showing our worth as Metalheads to the Metal gods. With the anthem sinking to a close, there was another song for the breaking of Hangar 11, and MANOWAR slammed with the Speed Metal frenzy of "Black Wind, Fire and Steel", surely the best track on the entire list, though I missed "The Gods Made Heavy Metal" and "Fighting The World". Sheer quality of soloing and amazing singing, set the entire venue on fire. Near the song's end Adam's took DeMaio and Logan's guitars, slightly ram them together for the creation of an electric sustain sound that pierced the room. Coming from the sides, DeMaio and Logan started playing their instruments as if those were mere keyboards while Adams holding them, that was a sight to see, a can't be missed moment. Was that the end of the show or just another intro to a different song? Unknown at the time. And if that wasn't shocking enough, I was fortunate to see the unbelievable. With the sound of thunder, and a swift move, DeMaio ripped the chords of his bass, one by one they were torn off, what is more Metal than that I ask you?
 

To the sounds of the ballad "The Crown and the Ring (Lament of the Kings)", merely a recording, the screen displayed photos from various MANOWAR shows, ending with a thank you note to the Israeli fans that attended the show. I have to admit that it was a different experience when it comes to a Metal show. It had its odder sides, yet it was far more glorious than most Metal shows, it was special, idolizing the wills to be a Metalhead, a follower and a fan. MANOWAR were in Israel for the first time, may they be here once again, to tear us a part limb by limb.

I wish to thank Patrick Losinsky and Progstage Productions for once again hosting Metal Temple on one of the colossus events that the Israeli Metal scene has ever seen. Also I wish to thank my partner in crime, Alexandra Zeevy, which did her best to take the best shots, considering the circumstances. Hail and Kill!!!
 

Setlist:
1. Manowar
2. Blood of My Enemies
3. Brothers of Metal Pt. 1
4. Sign of the Hammer
5. The Lord of Steel
6. The Dawn of Battle
7. The Warrior's Prayer (Intro)
8. Blood of the Kings
9. Kingdom Come
10. Heart of Steel
11. Bass Solo / Sting of the Bumblebee
12. Wheels of Fire
13. Hail and Kill
14. Kings of Metal
15. Warriors of the World United
16. Black Wind, Fire and Steel
17. The Crown and the Ring (Lament of the Kings) (Outro)