I felt it was necessary to review this double DVD by the immense Manowar, a truly exceptional gift that the band gave to their loyal fans in 2002, which will leave every healthy metal warrior on the planet speechless.
The first DVD is the second episode of the documentary series "Hell On Earth" and features the band bringing the word of True Metal to various European nations (unfortunately, Italy is missing in this release) with little concern for those who think otherwise: Joey DeMaio and his associates are quite clear on this point. Here, some of the band's most famous classics are presented live, including "Guyana", "Hatred", "Battle Hymns", and many others (a total of 24 tracks are featured!!). The documentary also aims to provide further evidence of the spirit of brotherhood between the band and their fans, expressed in true communion moments, like inviting guitarists from the audience on stage to play with their idols during the performance of the anthemic "The Gods Made Heavy Metal". This DVD also dispels all the rumors about the supposed lack of humor of the four, as we see them perform for their French fans a power metal version of the mellifluous "Voulez Vous", complete with hilariously obscene gestures by Eric Adams and other antics I won't spoil so as not to ruin the surprise for you. The bonus content is a real treat for the fans of the Kings of Metal as it includes a beautiful performance of "Thor" and the French version of "Courage".
But if the first DVD left you inexplicably cold, the second is the real gem of this release!! It features an epic concert held by the four at the Philips Monsters Of Rock in São Paulo, Brazil in 1998: you have in your hands the first concert filmed in its entirety, from start to finish, by Manowar!! The DVD starts with an introduction showing fans in a frenzy and a leading Joey DeMaio stirring the crowds with his mere presence, offering interviews that leave little doubt about the intentions of the four: "This day is the day Manowar will smash the Hammer of Heavy Metal on this ground...", promises the historic bassist during an interview before the concert. Promise kept!! The band is in excellent form and eager to prove it with an absolutely over-the-top performance. Eric Adams once again proves to be a true stage animal, charismatic and engaging, as well as an enormously talented singer: if in "Louder Than Hell" from 1996 anyone had doubts about his voice (which in my opinion does not fully showcase his vast capabilities in that album), they will find all their unwavering certainties restored here; the singer keeps up from start to finish, delivering spine-chilling high notes. The other three are, of course, excellent as well: in particular, DeMaio is tireless, delighting us with a heart-pounding bass solo performing "Flight Of The Bumblebee". The tracks performed are the classics from their repertoire, but a particularly rare live version of "Gates Of Valhalla" stands out. The bonus content here is also very enticing and includes, among other things, some interviews with the band's technical staff members (including John "Dawk" Stillwell), unfortunately in English, two tracks performed at the "Ringfest" 2002 in Germany ("Warriors Of The World" and "House Of Death") and an interview with DeMaio about the concert, unfortunately to be read (also in English!) on the screen.
If you love Manowar, this is a must-have!!
CONCERT SETLIST:
-MANOWAR
-METAL DAZE
-BLOOD OF MY ENEMIES
-KILL WITH POWER
-SIGN OF THE HAMMER
-GATES OF VALHALLA
-STING OF THE BUMBLEBEE
-THE GODS MADE HEAVY METAL
-METAL WARRIORS
-KINGS OF METAL
-THE POWER
-HAIL AND KILL
-BLACK WIND, FIRE AND STEEL
-THE CROWN AND THE RING