Manowar
Warriors Of The World

THE REVIEW

On the cover of Manowar's ninth album is the legendary studded warrior depicted emerging from a cave, which, in my view, is an allegory to represent two questionable albums and six long years of silence. However, this period was truly a godsend for Joey, Eric, Karl, and Scott: Warriors Of The World represents the definitive rebirth of Manowar, and the opener Call To Arms, more solemn and grandiose and less unpolished than the previous Return Of The Warlord, confirms it: an authentic masterpiece that seems to introduce us to an album dominated by the warrior theme: not quite, because from here on, we embark on an irresistible path that characterizes this album and makes it unique in the entire Manowar discography: it begins with the beautiful ballad The Fight For Freedom, just a small notch below masterpieces like Courage, Heart Of Steel, and Carry On. Then comes the cover of Nessun Dorma, masterfully interpreted by Eric with an irresistible Italo-American accent. Then a brief choir begins, introducing us to an absolute masterpiece that exceeds every expectation: Swords In The Wind is poignant, magical, epic, combative, and solemn. I cannot find words to describe the emotional storm provoked by this song. If I close my eyes, it really feels like being a Viking warrior gazing at enemy shores illuminated by the fires of battle from the prow of my ship, all during a cold winter night. In a word, one of the top five songs by the Kings Of Metal. The next track is An American Trilogy: don't think you've lost your mind if at first, you can't help but listen to it obsessively; the song is truly beautiful, especially sung in that way by Eric Adams. The March is a suggestive symphonic instrumental that partially previews the sounds of Gods Of War. Once this long and delightful melodic interlude ends, we reach Warriors Of The World United, a majestic battle hymn against false metal perfect for heating up the atmosphere at live shows. The album closes with the fleeting trifecta of Hand Of Doom-House Of Death-Fight Until We Die, which may not be absolute masterpieces, but are perfect for some healthy headbanging and revive the warrior theme that had been somewhat overshadowed until this point. In short, 2002 marks the great return of Manowar, so Warriors Of The World is a record that is a MANDATORY purchase for every defender.

HAIL, HAIL, HAIL TO THE KINGS!