Rock Music Critic

	Manowar
	Warriors of the World

	If you have read anything else on this site, you have probably noticed me mention Manowar at least once. Manowar is my all time favorite heavy metal band. They are the epitome of heavy metal as far as I am concerned. They have been fighting the world for over 20 years and they have yet to bow down or sell out like any other Metallica, er, I mean bands, I might mention. And no one can deny that they love their fans. How many bands write even one single song in appreciation of their fans? Not many come to mind. Yet Manowar have a handful of such songs ("Army of Immortals", "Blood of the Kings", "Brothers of Metal") And having met singer Eric Adams at a show in Cleveland (at The Machine where they filmed the "Return of the Warlord" video. I'm in it!) I have to say that he is one hell of a nice guy. He was very gracious about my friends and I scraping and bowing in Wayne's World-like fits of not-worthiness. So if you are looking for ANY disparaging remarks about Manowar, look elsewhere friend. You shall leave here wanting. I find myself completely unworthy of trying to rate Manowar's music. As if I, a mere mortal, can judge the works and deeds of the gods on high. Were I to try, I would have to easily and without thought give every Manowar album released a 6 out of 5. It just cannot be any other way. (Note: I have since done away with the rating system that was in place when I wrote this.) That said, I will proceed to at least comment on what we have here on this latest Manowar opus, "Warriors of the World." Manowar, being proud and noble sons of the USA, pay homage to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, at least indirectly, on many of the tracks on this CD. Whether they intended it or not "A Call to Arms", "An American Trilogy", "Hand of Doom", "House of Death", and "Fight Until We Die" certainly inspire one to revenge on all who would think to act as terrorists. I don't have the liner notes with me at the moment, but I believe "The Fight for Freedom" was actually written and dedicated for the victims of 9/11. I think the Manowar album catalogue should be mandatory listening for all those in our armed forces, because no one in the world could beat us with them listening to this music. I've never felt more pride as an American than when I listen to Manowar's music. "The Fight for Freedom" is my favorite track on this CD, and I must admit it often causes me to mist up. "Nessun Dorma" is a beautiful operatic song that Eric sings in Italian. I believe it is dedicated to his mother who had recently passed away. Another tearjerker. "Swords in the Wind" is another Viking masterpiece. Woe to the enemies of Manowar. TAKE ME TO VALHALLA WHERE MY BROTHERS WAIT FOR ME!!!! I sure hope they plan another American tour soon, it has been far too long since I have seen them play. (Note - Since writing this they have indeed scheduled a show around here...with Rhapsody even!) I don't know what else I can say at this point. Go out now and buy every Manowar CD you can find. (I've even gone out and purchased every album available on LP!) Go to the shows. If ever a band deserved your support, this is the band. Carry on my brothers of metal!!! HAIL AND KILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TRACKLIST: Call to Arms The Fight For Freedom Nessun Dorma Valhalla Swords in the Wind An American Trilogy The March Warriors of the World United Hand of Doom House of Death Fight Until We Die