Manowar
The Lord of Steel Live

Defining a band like Manowar today is more difficult than one might think. But the adjective that springs to mind is inconclusive. Listening to the latest releases from the American group, one can understand how empty their music is, it becomes clear that the ideas have run out, and the glories of the past are long gone for more than 15 years. While in the early 80s, Manowar was known, and rightly recognized, as one of the main bands that brought the Epic genre to a certain popularity, in the 2000s, the quartet led by Joey Demaio lost completely the attitude and power that had distinguished them in their early days.

It must be said that for every existing band there will always be that group of die-hard fans who will judge everything their beloved band offers them as gold and won't be able to accept the slightest criticism. Well, for Manowar, this concept must be further amplified. Arrogance, total trust in them, and admiration, this is what the fans of this group declare to have towards them. It might even be a praiseworthy choice, but I call it a lack of objectivity. Isn't the job, if you will, of a fan to listen to a band's product and judge it objectively? Or is it better to ignore the quality and embrace these releases with open arms?

Too many, too many ideas have been consumed over the years in the Manowar house. Let's ask ourselves for a moment why they have released only three albums from 2000 to today. Time to propose worthy music releases? No, not at all. If the more than decent "Warriors Of The World" (2002) had raised hopes, the overly pompous and ambitious "Gods Of War" (2007) instead raised more doubts than hopes. Initially, "Gods Of War" was supposed to be the first episode of a trilogy based on Norse mythology, but the premature death of drummer Scott Columbus interrupted all plans. And so we arrive in 2012 with "The Lord Of Steel", the most discussed and criticized album of the group to date. Production at the limit of decency, unbalanced sounds with the total absence (or almost) of guitars, bland, empty songs, and childish songwriting that is absolutely unacceptable for a band that has been around for more than 30 years and is known for laying the foundations of the Epic genre. The worst choice they could have made after releasing this record? A live album.

Said and done, in 2013 comes out "The Lord Of Steel - Live", a mini EP that collects 6 songs, 5 of which are taken from "The Lord Of Steel", recorded during the world tour. The result, sorry to say, is terrible. What led Demaio to think that if the studio version of the tracks appeared flat and soulless, it would go better live? There are many drawbacks, first and foremost Eric Adams. I understand that at 60 it is practically impossible to sing like when one is young, but it breaks the heart to hear how this excellent performer's voice has diminished. Constantly low tones, almost hoarse and whispered, screams reduced to the bone, and too many passages where he seems to have no voice and takes time to breathe, just listen to "Expendable" or "El Gringo" to verify. Let's continue. Non-existent rhythmic section, with Demaio's bass alone amplified to excessive levels calling the shots, and Logan's solos barely perceptible, as happens in "Manowarriors", and to all this we must add that the reactions of the audience have been completely retouched in the studio. The only thing I save is the work done behind the skins by Donnie Hamzik, proof at least that the songs on "The Lord Of Steel" were not made with a drum machine. However, let's add the fact that this mini live is presented with a horrible cover, and we realize the uselessness of this product.

Will it then be a coincidence that Manowar finds themselves in the same situation as Virgin Steele, another band that at the end of the 80s/early 90s was experiencing its peak popularity, that is with albums where the guitars seem to have disappeared and the egocentrism of the leader dominating? "The Lord Of Steel - Live" is a product that I wouldn't recommend to anyone, especially to those who are or have been fans of the American band. Too many errors, and too evident is the lack of ideas. What remains today of that band that years ago released albums like "Into Glory Ride", "Hail To England", or "The Triumph Of Steel" is very little. Unfortunately, what we have is a fake and incapable group, devoted only to business, and that has forever turned its back on music made with passion and awareness.