Borne with a mettle heart of steel, the Kings of Metal known as MANOWAR have chosen to re-record their crowning achievement, but with a different ring and death tone. Many will hail the outlaw warlords for revisiting this masterpiece recorded well over 25 years ago; while others who die for Metal, will just want to kill the sextageneric manwhores. Man-up warriors, because even though this is quite a departure from what they accomplished with "Battle Hymns", it is still louder than hell! Hail MANOWAR!

After the lack of thunderous guise that was "The Lord Of Steel", I had abandoned hope for any more violence and bloodshed from these high kings of Metal. I would rather hear what the humorous polyglots from Italy known as NANOWAR OF STEEL had to offer. Then when the revelation that the warriors of the world were united in a fight to try to rework this true triumph of steel, I once again felt the sting of the bumblebeast, as when I was younger, in my prime. Once again, I am willing to vie for the kings with kind words in mind! The burning power of my words is to hail the skill, and divergent, diligent musicianship.

Just like with "No Place - 2014" by FLOTSAM & JETSAM, there are major nuances. The song order is clearly altered, the lyrics have been updated in many respects, "Thy" is added for effect to the song titles, "The Warrior's Prayer" has all new narration, there are new countries referenced in "Blood Of The Kings", the second disc is comprised of all instrumentals, etc. In fact, the so-called Metal version of "Thy Crown And Thy Ring", sounds more like an orchestral version. I find it a bit pretentious to hear the metronome on "Bumblebee" just to prove Joey can play his solo at 300 BPM, but I relish the instrumental guitar version of "Heart Of Steel MMXIV". As always, everything is over the top, as this is MANOWAR!

I take pleasure in knowing that they did not become enslaved by redundancy. I sincerely appreciative the fact that they did not bother redoing their worst song ever - The CD bonus track of "Pleasure Slave". All of this, for me, makes it even more inviting and exciting. The production is quite different and updated too. Clearly Pro-Tools played a big part in the modernization and remixing, and this tends to take a bit of the balls out of the final conflict. I agree that there are punctuated, glaring inconsistencies; however, I had always longed for a remaster of the Atlantic years with this as well as "Fighting The World". Therefore, I will defend or support this master of revenge which sates my appetites and will blow your speakers!

Perhaps with hatred or intolerance, an army of immortal dedicates may take umbrage to the fact that Ross The Boss Friedman did not contribute with his secret of steel. Even still, many worriers may ponder and wonder if it is fair for Donnie to fill in for the truly missed Chris Columbus. Why was Carl Canedy not asked? As it dawns on me, I let the Gods decide as I accept and acknowledge that this effective line-up upholds the mettle might and angelic courage to cross the bridge of this tragic death.

Where other bands play, MANOWAR thrill! Despite the slander, these seasoned dogs of war kill with the power and might to be number 1! These brothers of true Metal night after night continue to ride into glorious praise, on all accounts, year after year. Led by Louis Marullo, or as you know him Eric Adams ,who even at 60 remains one of the best voices in the Metal milieu, balanced by the bass thunderpick and brash arrogance of Joey DeMaio, and the axe wielding firepower of Karl (Mojaleski) Logan, who has banded with his brothers for nigh 20 years, they all have the ability to play on and on tenaciously, as real men play on 10!

Ultimately, I will leave the decision of obtaining this march for reinventing up to you. I was so grateful to receive a digital promo for this timely resurgence. I realize that the avaricious animals at Magic Circle are asking for a steep price for all of their music, and the heavy cost just to witness the madness of MANOWAR rivals that of KISS! Recently, I had hoped to see them in Chicago until I was informed that parking fee alone is what I normally pay for a club show. Thankfully, this call to arms by the sons of Odin is very celestial, and since the original warrior's prayer is my favorite in their epic catalog, it was an honor to fast from other acts, and take or celebrate a few days with the Metal Kings.