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THE REVIEW
I write this review to honor the great Ross the Boss.
"Hail to England" is one of those albums that sets a standard for all of heavy metal. Not that Manowar themselves haven't done even better, but this album is truly a crucial milestone. An album that marks a clear before and after.
It's not necessary to trap readers in the myth of the leather-and-studs metalhead; what's important to understand is that, just like there was behind AC/DC, just like there was behind Motörhead, behind Manowar too there is, first and foremost, a cultural revolution. Truly innovative bands have this, not just the sound. Manowar didn’t just want to make noise; behind them, there was a concept that we shouldn’t forget, and that we often take for granted when it comes to so many great bands.
If metal is what it is today, it is thanks in large part to classic American metal (first and foremost Dio and, indeed, Manowar) and specifically thanks to a mentality and an aesthetic that don’t come from nowhere. The comic-book-like epicness of metal that overflows right from their debut is not the Poe-style uneasiness of Iron Maiden, nor the hardcore skate vibe of Metallica, just as the hardcore skate of Metallica wasn’t the streetwise sadism of Slayer, and so on. Today, it’s easy to say someone listens to metal and lump it all under one umbrella. But if you stop and think, you’ll truly understand the idea behind every great band, including Manowar. And tell me, isn’t their idea still at the foundation of metal today? Manowar understood everything.
Tones as deathly and epic as a warrior trampling fallen enemies: "Blood of my Enemies" opens in sublime fashion. While everyone else was speeding up the BPM, Manowar granted themselves glorious, cadenced marches along the paths of victory. "Each Dawn I Die" foreshadows the melodies of the viking/epic black scene and lays down another track that is spectacular without being overly heavy. "Kill with Power" instead is furious speed metal tinged with epicness, once again highlighting the band’s melodic intuition. "On their weapons now we swear"—here, the melody on these words anticipates Bathory; indeed, the Norse school has its roots here. The title track was probably the most epic song ever written at the time, and the following "Army of the Immortals," perhaps the highlight of the album, is a beautiful love song. Yes, love—a deep and fraternal love: read the superb lyrics and see for yourself. "Black Arrows" is skippable, but paves the way for the lengthy "Bridge of Death," which, even if a bit monotonous, is fantastic and makes it quite hard to believe that Bathory didn’t listen to a bit of Manowar.
The band is extremely tight and perfectly in sync, but of course, an honorable mention must go to the great Ross. A guitarist who carves out his solo moments with taste—perhaps not stellar, but always enjoyable—and who keeps up a solid rhythm that supports the entire song in perfect harmony with the other instruments. Manowar, it has to be said, worked really well.
And so, once again, savor this masterpiece and live the epic metal glory.
"In our eyes you are immortal, in our hearts you will live forever". Rating: 94/100.
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Summary by Bot
This review praises 'Hail To England' as a staple of Manowar's catalog. It highlights the album’s importance in heavy metal history. The reviewer offers unreserved admiration with a perfect rating. Fans of epic, powerful metal will find this essential. The tone is enthusiastic and highly approving.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
01 Blood of My Enemies (04:15)
Three sons have I
and they ride by my side
The fierce, the black
and the wicked are their names
We ride down my enemies
on their half hearted flight
no voice of mercy
no evangels of light
Mighty messengers
demons fly
victims are coming
guns of the dead
I ride through the air
I laugh as I die
with powers of evil
dark knowledge is mine
The wry are the wicked
the first sin was trust
kill without warning
for blood now I lust
Chorus:
Strong winds, Magic mist
To Asgard the Valkyries fly
High overhead, They carry the dead
Where the Blood of My Enemy lies
Three sons have I
and they ride by my side
The fierce, the black
and the wicked are their names
We ride down my enemies
on their half hearted flight
no voice of mercy
no evangels of light
Lead
Chorus:
Strong winds, Magic mist
To Asgard the Valkyries fly
High overhead, They carry the dead
Where the Blood of My Enemy lies
02 Each Dawn I Die (04:20)
Passing through the storm-
Led by Demons-walk between the
World of men and gods-
Cast no shadows-draw no light.
I rape the priestess on pagans night.
I taste the serpents poison
On the lips of the one I love.
She brings this gift of witchcraft.
I wear the cat-skin-gloves.
Apples of youth when I wrought
Mischief,hung in a tree to rot
In the sun.-
Reborn in the middle of the
Final orgy the gift of slavery
To the chosen one.
Suicide Suicide don't you know
Me-call to the Master-he will
Come.-He will bring out
Ressurection-cloaked in darkness-
He has won.
Smoke of my sacrifice.-
Journey to the Isle of the
Blessed.-
Grant my soul your glory.
At night time-I'm your guest.
Only I know why-
Each dawn I die.
Smoke of my sacrifice.-
Journey to the Isle of the
Blessed.-
Grant my soul your glory.
At night time-I'm your guest.
Only I know why-
03 Kill With Power (03:57)
Hear what's written on the wind.
We come to kill and kill again.
Our arrows fall like hail
Trample on the dead-Ride through the
Gate of clouds-stand on the open step
Run berserk-spreading fear and pain
Black shield and weapons, black our chain.
None can harm us-not their fire-
Iron or steel-for we have the
Will to power-with power we will
Kill
Kill with power-die die
Kill with power-die die
To the war god Odin you will pray
And the curse of weapons shell
Remain.On the blood of all our
Fathers-on their weapons we now
Swear to evenge-not lament.
Give the False ones death.
Kill with power-die die
Kill with power-die die
05 Army of the Immortals (04:24)
Battle hymns did sound the call
You came to our side
You heard true metal
Into glory Ride
You stood beside us
The false ones cried
Your love is judgment
You gave us life
You wait in the rain
You walk through the snow
We give you our blood
We want you to know
In our eyes you're immortal
In our hearts you'll live forever
In our eyes you're immortal
In our hearts you'll live forevermore
We have read your letters
We have heard your call
We were brought together
Cause we've got the balls
To play the loudest metal
So hard and wild and mean
You'll live forever
we were born from your belief
Metal makes us strong
Together we belong
Forever here's your song
We want you to know
In our eyes you're immortal
In our hearts you'll live forever
In our eyes you're immortal
In our hearts you'll live forevermore
Metal makes us strong
Together we belong
Forever here's your song
We want you to know
In our eyes you're immortal
In our hearts you'll live forever
In our eyes you're immortal
In our hearts you'll live forevermore
Manowar
Manowar is an American heavy metal band formed in New York, known for epic, mythology-tinged lyrics, anthemic choruses and exceptionally loud live shows. Key releases include Kings of Metal, Into Glory Ride and Hail To England.46 Reviews
Other reviews
By Revolver
"Manowar style, that you can't experience with any other band, and that's no small feat."
"'Bridge Of Death' is an absolute masterpiece, a memorable suite... a truly unforgettable finale that suitably concludes a great album."
