Mirror of Fears - 97%
Written by So_It_Is_Done on January 21st, 2007

Starting from the first feelings about this album, the thing that strikes one’s eyes at the very beginning is the cover art. The guy sitting on the leather couch with his eyes and mouth wrapped looks like a victim of some perversion. In fact, what I suppose, the bandages stimulate imagination and lead him to the depth of his mind. The same passage we must cross while we listen to this album, otherwise the enormous power of “Spiegel Der Urangste” won’t be revealed.

Sombre voyage into the deepest place of consciousness, and extreme fear of what lurks there is a purpose of the title song. Beginning with very unique riffs and percussion, which sounds more like knocking, the song evolves into the masterpiece of form. Variety of tempos and melodies create unrepeatable atmosphere. The portion of feelings served by this piece of art is overwhelming, coexisting depression exudes from every sound. Although very simplistic in case of instruments, the atmosphere shocks and causes shivers. A voyage is depicted by melancholic howls of guitars creating such weird and unusual melodies that are hard to comprehend. From time to time keyboard can be heard but only to strengthen the whole melody; keyboards doesn’t play a significant role in this orchestral subconsciousness. The mirror of fears which was the desire of the seeker is found...yet not so fulfilling as he thought it’ll be...

The anger and terrible ecstasy embraces listener from the first sounds of the next song. Insane vocals almost hurt ears, they are very similar to those of Burzum, yet they sound more aggressively and such strangely that one may think they are articulated by some non human form of life. Lyrics are powerfull as well, they continue the vision and flow of depression. After the seeker had discovered the mirror of fears and found his transcendence, he now wanders at the blood soaked sand in bitter satisfaction and ecstasy. Guitar melody reminds of calm waves ebbing and flowing since the creation of sea, still with same frequency and with no aim and reason at all. The destination is complete; however, there’s still no fulfillment, monotony of this peaceful and gloomy landscape causes depression. Further part of the song shows that transcendence and unity can only be found in the abyss of bloody sea. Guitars and drums start to play much faster again to indicate the anger and hate towards nonsense of life. Wanderer plunges himself into the depths of overwhelming water to reunite with nature and elements, suicide is the only reasonable way to stop his desires of looking for fulfillment in eternity.

The journey ends with the end of the album. We can unwrap the bandages from our eyes after those 22 minutes of burying ourselves in thoughts. After that depression is as big as it was before listening, and we see that there’s only one way to mitigate the pain...

AN UNCOMPROMISING MASSIVE ONSLAUGHT OF HELL - 80%
Written by Necropenis on September 12th, 2004

It is Remarkable the form in that this Horde continues giving fight and it shows clearly that one doesn't need of third people so that your own projects and desires make you give steps every time with more stability... although this maybe molest some.... This time they give us nine tracks and a total of 47 minutes of total ideology... there are tracks that were composed in the year 1991-1997... The track that there will be this CD: "The Castle Trimensor" it is completely sung in Spanish language... in the book the translation appears in English... For many it is difficult to understand music's type that Nahual gives us... Sincerely when he listens its first demo tape in 1996, very difficult era to understand the music that they looked for to project. After several years I listen something of them again... (I know that they are of the few bands that in spite of lacking support... they continue publishing and taking out material... that which only makes me write a single opinion: my total respect for the itinerary and taken direction)... The track that more he got my attention it is "From Kether to Malkuth (Nine Sephiroths of Hell) ", a very dense track and full with dark shades... essentially pure under many aspects... the same as "Of fragmented skies and Weapons" which breaks the outline shown until that moment in the CD... The last track "Second Chapter" will be able to be listened in the track 9 to the 7:48 min... I take Myself the best in the impressions after listening to this CD, the time had demonstrated that NAHUAL is one of the most serious bands and that they have the enough essence and it forces to achieve goals... Without necessity of depending on anybody more than of its own ideas and goals.

Boring.... - 9%
Written by burdoz on March 28th, 2005

In this review I will concentrate on the musical aspects of the album, I don't care about the political views of the band.

This album really was a pain to listen to the end for me. There are 2 different kind of songs on this release, either you get a mid-paced punkish song with about 2 different riffs in it or the usual so called "Black Metal" blasts with the same 2 riffs played a bit faster. Nearly every song starts with some sample and when the guitars start you already know after 5 seconds of listening the end of the song. Just the opening riff played over and over and over and over...

The drums sound like a machine to me which can at least handle 2 different speeds: The mid-paced punkish stuff or the sloppy slow blastbeats.

Lyrics? Oh well... typical aryan NS stuff... but the vocals sound funny to me. There are 2 vocalists I think, at least I heard 2 diffenrent voices...

All in all this is not for fans of quality Black Metal. If you want hateful and fast NS Black Metal try Sigrblot or Infernal War. I give 9% for this release, 1% for each riff on the album.

Strong NSBM With Substance - 94%
Written by Xerxes the Immoral on August 23rd, 2003

This really is a nice surprise-an NSBM band with real musical talent and ethos.

The album starts off with a sample of Hitler ralling his troops-at which point I was ready to give this a stern "0",then at 42 seconds,the guitar kicked in-and straight away i forgot about the dreadful sampling.

This cd has everything a Black metal fan could want-seriously heavy but catchy guitars that actually sound different on each song,drumbeats that match the music perfectly,seriously distorted bass,and coherent,very deep hoarse vocals-the only way to describe them is early Akercocke-for those who know it.

If you can overlook the Nazi images on the cd cover,and the samples at the start of each song,(assuming you dislike that kind of thing)then what you have is one of the most captivating and memorable underground releases in a long time.

Burzum - Daudi Baldrs - 70%
Written by Satanic_Warmonger on March 13th, 2005

Burzums first completely ambient release, Daudi Baldrs! This is such a change from the original Burzum style. The early style was raw, excellent NSBM vocals, a true gift to the deities of NSBM. New style however is VERY different, total ambience that progresses as each track ends and begins, sort of like a black metal story book. Each track on Daudi Baldrs has a very ancient slash antique feeling. Daudi Baldrs is not all about Rawness! Daudi Baldrs is a thinking album, you put it on not to headbang but to look back on your life and dream about the Aryan History now no more. The only real thing that i felt was a downfall to this album was the lack of vocals! While i was listening to this i kept expecting Varg Vikernes to just pop in and scream something out! But didnt happen, this later proved to be a good thing when you desire a time of peace and thought. Great album Varg has done, i wouldnt say its the best of the Ambience though, i enjoyed Hlidsjkalf far more than Daudi Baldrs, however, Daudi Baldrs does have some enjoyable things, most of the instruments have a very folkish feeling, sorta like listening to the Polish group Perunwit. Varg Vikernes has really proven to us all that he can prosper in both a peaceful ambient style and a more raw and blackish style!

Ah...the power of MIDI - 70%
Written by Shadow0fDeath on July 24th, 2004

I had heard samples of this album but i wasn't interested until recently to pick up this album. This album, Daudi Baldrs is the first album written by Varg while in prison. With very minimal equipment he used MIDI to create this album. Though it's very minimal Varg i believe was able to make the absolute best out of it and still is able to capture brilliance with this album. Unlike it's successor, Hildskjalf, Daudi Baldrs avoids more pagan influenced ambient and has a more classical theme to it with many dark and even sometimes medieval type theme too it.

The first song, the title track, of the album sounds more like a dark orchestra playing and a violin solo interlude. A dissapointment is the horn type thing that is being played. Not only does it not fit with the more symphonic elements from the violins it also does not even have a great sound quality alone.

Hermodr a helfero begins with a harp type of melody and weave in and out of that melody you hear a piccolo. The song is pretty repetitive like most songs on this album but luckily it's far shorter than the others. This piece is pretty light compared to some of the other songs.

Balferd Baldrs is a darker piece than the second. Has more violins going on much like the song Daudi Baldrs.

I Heimr Heljar sounds more like a middle eastern or arabian regality tune. Probably one of the most unique songs on the album. It has a very majestic feel to it. A couple sections where varg continues to masterbate with the violin. Also has a drum solo halfway through the song for about 15 seconds. It's pretty short much like Hermodr which is sad considering the longer pieces have little or no change at all.

illa Tindandi is a softer quieter piano song. I really enjoy it because i had played piano a long time. Though i have to admit this song isn't necessary to be 10 minutes long as it's basically the same two melodies over and over again, with a choir type this coming in every now and then.

Moti Ragnarokum is the final song on this album. It sounds much like a classical piano piece. I remember reading in an interview Varg had been listening mainly to classical music while he was in his cell. The violins come back in like usual but unlike the other songs it's not as dark. It's a much lighter song. It follows this pattern throughout the song but unlike the others it isn't repetitive.

Overall Daudi Baldrs is decent, yet somewhat dry in places.

Who reviews submitted reviews?

Most people consider Mists of Avalon Blitzkrieg’s lesser popular album but in my opinion, I really didn’t get the whole Unholy Trinity concept until probably several listens. Therefore if there were ever going to be a weaker album, I’d vote this one.

Hair Trigger (Pull the trigger part 2) 8.5 out of 10
Did there really have to be a part 2? You bet ya! The first was a catchy tune that was really enjoyable to listen to, so why not a second tribute.

Struck by lightning 8 out of 10
First time I heard this I instantly thought of “No Remorse” but its actually much better constructed. Given my statement it sounds nothing like the song, its fast paced and has a quick tempo. Look out for the chorus then the solo that follows, its astronomical.

Taking care of Business 7 out of 10
Took me a while to get into this one, pre-chorus eventually catches up with you. Nothing special however, just a good song that doesn’t really reflect much of the albums theme.

Field of Dreams 9 out of 10
I really liked this one, not much of a metal track however I can still appreciate the direction and melody of this track. Synthesizers really bring out the verse also.

Take a look around 10 out of 10
Now that’s what I’m talking about! A true classic revisited and re-orchestrated, this song has me right from the start. Brian’s vocals haven’t really changed since 1985 when he first recorded it on ‘Time of Changes’. The guitar work since then defiantly improved, I really hope the band re-release some of the classics like this and add the extra feel and melody the same way they did to this track.

After Dark 7 out of 10
Another slightly above average track, doesn’t really grab my attention like the other tracks.

Crazy for you 9.5 out 10
As much as the title sounds like a love song sung by the backstreet boys this is defiantly not the case. The verse and chorus really got me after a couple of listens, I’d strongly recommend this track if you’re a fan melodic tracks.

Unholy Trinity 7 out of 10
Lyrically this song is quite well structured and pays tribute to the mass murderer of prostitutes, Jack the ripper. Took me a while to get into this track but in hindsight I still found it fairing average to the other tracks.

Calming the savage 9 out of 10
I love the lead guitar in this particular track and the verse is really catchy also, although some may consider this one a bit mainstream and pop-like.

The Wraith 7.5 out of 10
Once again a very catchy verse that works well, however I thought that the chorus was a slight anticlimax to the song itself.

Easy way out 7.5 out of 10

Countess Bathory 7 out of 10
If you’re a venom fan, you’ll want to hear this one. Nothing special in my opinion though.

Jealous Love 7 out of 10

House of Pleasure 7 out of 10
Lyrically quite irritating, in summary it’s a song about a bordello…not something I want to hear about when I put a Blitzkrieg record on.

When I first played this album I had mixed feelings, there are defiantly some great songs here, some songs with potential after a few listens and some ruined by silly lyrics.
In summary it will take you a few listens to get into this one, my recommendation is if you have never listened to Blitzkrieg before, listen to ‘Time of Changes’ first or even the recent ones (Absolute Power and Sins and Greed). Because chances are you wont give this one much of a chance, however having said that a Blitzkrieg fan like myself will still love it and consider it another great album by the boys lead by Mr. Brian Ross.

Firstly, we must don't confuse them with the well known death metal band… This Purgatory is a black metal band from mainland China (from the Yunnan province). It seems that the chinese metal scene is enough big since a longue time, but that there bands had never out from the country. But now, the chinese lable Mort Records want the change this ; already, at least 3 chinese black metal bands was out on this lable : Yiduan, Martyrdom and Purgatory.

Purgatory mostly play a black metal in the sud-east asian vein, but with some european elements. The vocal, particularly, sound asiatic ; a very good black grind vocal, low and deep, a little bite ala Abhorer. By the way, all the lyrics are in chinese (what I personnally really like ; I've never understand why many underground bands prefer the english to there own maternal language ; specially want they claim to be NSBM…).

Musicaly, there is a little bite of all : so, the song "Dream Of Moribund" let me think to Blasphemy mixed with Vinterland ; "Judgement Of Doomsday" to Sarcophagus from time of "For We… Who Are Consumed By Darkness" ; when "Wither In Late Autumn" mosly sound like a mix of Christ Agony (from time of "Daemoonseth Act II") and of Evol ("The Saga of the Horned King"). In this way, it's quit hard to make a general review of this album. The style is generaly enough fat (ala Abhorer), but with some little melodies, and sometime, some keyboard (rarely used, and without excess). It's mosly dark. The most negative part is the intros, that are sometime really too long needlessly.

This album is mostly for the fans of asian black metal, but the fans of black death metal will surly like it to (even if Purgatory don't play black death metal, but the guitar sometime sound enough like canadian death metal).

I can't stand how some metalheads will put down this CD. It might not be a "classic" like the Ten Commandments, but compared to other Death Metal bands right now, Malevolent Creation is superior. The title track literally makes me slaughter someone, heh, its probably my favorite on the CD. The beginning where the vocals come in are great. The second ROAR is one of the greatest I've ever heard in Death Metal.

The guitar riffs are definetely crazy in this release, some of the best sounding guitarists yet for Malevolent Creation. The bass lines are solid and aggressive, and as always, the drumming is excellent. The Will to Kill, Pillage and Burn, Assasin Squad, Superior Firepower, and Burnt Beyond Recognition are the highlights of this CD, and if you are Death Metal fan, then I would say that this release is mandatory.

I have to admit I haven´t been following MALEVOLENT CREATION as much as I had in their early days so when I saw this one in the store I decided to give it a shot. What hit me in the face hard was straight ahead Death Metal with overwhelming brutality as MC are generally known for. Despite the album not having as much variety as it should what they are doing seems to work just fine. This is an all out assault of mayhem with scowling, understandable Death vocals and aggressive heavy as hell guitar riffing that I recommend for the die hard MC and Brutal Death Metal fans out there.

Written by Thrasher666 on December 1st, 2003

This is by far the cheesiest power metal band I've ever heard. Not gay cheesy like Manowar, good cheesy like Wizard. The lyrics will put Blind Guardian to shame. The riffs are melodic, with alot of speed/thrash influence. Sometimes they lose the melody and go completely speed metal. The vocals are excellent. Alot of power metal bands lack good vocals. The vocals in this band are powerful and epic. The solos shred and would especially appeal to Iron Maiden fans. Basically, if you like fantasy, melodic riffs, fast picking, and power metal, you'll love Dragonheart.

Time To Kill? - 97%
Written by MetalMinion on March 7th, 2006

If your not familar with this album then you suck! and you if your not familar with this band then you suck even more. Overkill are probably the best thrash band around and why you ask? because they still play thrash today and a very strong catalogue of albums.

The Years of Decay is the best thing they have ever done. The record starts off with "Time To Kill" my favorite track on the record. The song starts off with drums beats and guitar and then you get throw in with Blitz's scream. The chorus is catchy as hell and goes through many tempos and just screams heavy metal!

"Elimination" is a great sing-along as well and kinda humorous lyrics. The song is of course elimating anything and everything. Great song to listen to when your pissed but a even song is the next track "I Hate" and boy can I relate to this one. The song pretty much is a rebellion athem and has nice guitar work and Bobby just sounds as pissed as ever.

"Skull Crusher" is more of doom metal song than a thasher but it does pick up tempo half way thru. It's heavy track found here and fits right in, another great track is "Who Tends The Fire" which highly underrated and pretty much stays the same pace thru out the some. The closer is "Evil Never Dies" which is just awesome and lyrics are powerful "WILL IT EVER DIE!"? nope.

This album has been marked classic by MetalMinion and is essential and one the best thrash albums and must have in your metal collection.

An overlooked classic - 97%
Written by cinedracusio on September 5th, 2005

When you ask somebody about Immolation, he will probably tell you about how good Close To A World Below, Unholy Cult or Harnessing Ruin are. Too bad that their first three albums, that are also pure gold, are left behind.
Dawn Of Possession was a great debut for this band,and although the Morbeed influences were more obvious on this than on the other albums, it is much better than many albums that Morbeed Angel did. Because the vocals are and will always be superior to Morbeed, Dolan using a more graven, menacing attack. Because the rhythm section is more impressive, Smilovski handling very varied beats, from flawless double bass to slow, heavy beats. The riffs of Angel were taken to a new level of complexity and darkness, and the solos too, Rob Vigna being amongst the elite.
If you are not interested in this or did not listen to it, just stop telling how good Immolation are without knowing their true diamonds.

very good! - 91%
Written by dragons_secrets on April 9th, 2003

I know alot of people seem to hate this album for whatever reason. Personally I think that its *better* than Mandrake. It definately has less filler than Mandrake does.
'Headless Game' is a great song with a nice catchy little riff and chorus. 'Land of the Miracles' is a wonderful song with lyrics I particuarly like and a beautiful guitar solo. Two of my absolute favorites are 'Holy Shadows' with its awesome and unforgettable chorus, and 'Another Time', a soothing little ballad which I enjoy very much. Everything else is still very good..'Wake Up the King' is good and despite some cheesy parts, and the title track is excellent and catchy..just a bit long. Overall, this is a very enjoyable album by one of power metal's finest. And whether it sounds like atypical power metal or not, it makes no difference to me because when its all said and done..Theater of Salvation is STILL a good album that doesn't really contain not one single bad song!

This band rules... - 100%
Written by Skyklad on October 4th, 2002

There is NO EXCUSE for any person who is an avid collector of quality Metal albums to NOT have this masterpiece of trueness in their possession. May as well stop reading this right now and get to the store... who cares that it's 2am and you're drunk as hell and your car's in the shop for repairs !! Go, fast as you can... pick this up, for once behind the safe haven of your doors you can hear the awesome "new age" traditional and progressive metal that this band serves up on this effort. I was thinking no way could they surpass the self titled release but this one proves that these guys... no matter of taking a long time to release records, know their stuff when it comes to well crafted and executed heavy metal that will have all the traditionalists swinging their heads around with joy. The coolest thing about this band is their ability to present a variety of songs that keep the entire listening session exciting. May you be forever Lost In Hell.

http://www.metal-archives.com/review.php?id=4108

(the first review - 50%) - the guy keeps referring to their debut album, but clearly never heard it. for instance, he complains about the "I know you're fucking someone else" - "He knows you're fucking someone else" lyric on the first song of the album, which is exactly the same as the version on "Slow, deep & hard". he simply doesn't even know there's nearly the same songs on both albums, albeit with slightly different titles.

The first review is mine, and even if I've actually heard Slow, Deep & Hard and I know they're the same songs more or less altered, now I realize how the way I wrote this review could suggest the contrary (actually my aim was only to point out how stupid these lyrics were/ how messy these songs were, regardless of the album they're coming from). Mea culpa... It's really a very bad review. If I remember well I'd written it in a hurry without really thinking more about it. (...) I've deleted this piece of crap myself. The problem is now an album I mostly consider as nothing more than a punkish joke has no more negative review... And I don't really feel like listening to it again. As much as I like TON, their early stuff isn't really my cup of tea - maybe someone could write one for me?

http://www.metal-archives.com/review.php?id=20734#1183

I'd try not to complain about a record with only one review, but that is a shocker.

http://metal-archives.com/review.php?id=806#38591



seriously. "morbeed". what the fuck.

There is bad review of metallica - st anger. its at least 80%

HELLOWEEN MAKES IT AGAIN!!!!!! - 100%
Written by hatedominion on February 27th, 2007


"Keeper Of The Seven Keys - The Legacy World Tour 2005/2006 - Live In Sao Paulo" is the new live album of our Heavy Metal masters from Germany, Helloween. "Live In Sao Paulo" (let me tell you that we will only call it "Live In Sao Paulo" ok? I think that it will be easier haha) is the audio version of the DVD also released through the German label SPV. No need to talk a lot to say and explain that this DVD and this live album are simply awesome, that they're must. If you like Helloween and Heavy Metal, please don't miss these releases!

"Live In Sao Paulo" was recorded during The Legacy World Tour and it's essentially composed of songs from the three Keeper albums plus some super hits like "If I Could Fly", which means that it's just top-notch quality music, really just have a look on the track list and you'll understand what I mean. "I Want Out", "Future World" or "Eagle Fly Free" all the mega hits of the band are present in the set list, and we even have a magisterial version of "Halloween", a song that the band rarely plays live. Believe me, the performance of Halloween is just fantastic and full of energy, the band is extremely charismatic on this release. No doubt, they're killers and this "Live In Sao Paulo" is one new proof of their gigantic talent (and well, I saw them during this tour, so I'm not exaggerating…).

But a good live, that's good songs of course but also good production and good audience. Here, the production is perfect we can hear everything, all the instruments like the voice of Andi Deris without any problem, and of course we hear a lot the fantastic audience of Sao Paulo. When I listen to a live album, I want a good sound of course but I want to feel the ambiance of the show and here, that's just amazing. The crowd sings during all the songs, during all the choruses, it was a fantastic ambiance without any doubt and we can feel it while we're listening to the CD. Sao Paulo was probably the perfect choice to record a live album…

Nothing to say against this release, this is just perfect and that's all. If you're looking for a great live album, just buy this one, it's a fantastic release! Only hits, not any bad points, a perfect sound, an amazing audience, I would like to receive such kind of live albums everyday. Hail to Helloween for this release!

All Hail GODS OF WAR! - 100%
Written by ApocalypticDawn_666 on February 23rd, 2007

I love when bands take the epic direction and throw orchestral bits and concept albums into the mix. "Gods of War" is the first in a series of albums that will tell the tale of the Gods of War. This album focuses on Odin. This wouldn't be a good introduction to Manowar, so start with the other stuff first if you were thinking of introducing yourself to Manowar with this album. Thats a job for the first four, Louder Than Hell, or Kings of Metal.

If you dislike the orchestral aspects and/or spoken sections of bands such as Luca Turilli, Rhapsody, Symphony-X, and Nightwish among many others you most likely won't be a fan of this. Being a big fan of orchestra stuff, this is, overall, my favorite Manowar album.

Overture to the Hymn of the Immortal Warriors - Epic. I like it a lot, sounds like a film score. Triumphant yet foreboding. A nice way to kick off the album.

The Ascension - More orchestral epicness. Don't really understand why the buildup of the previous song would lead into this. Its suitable for the flow of the album storywise though. Once Eric Adams starts singing all is well. He sounds better than ever.

King of Kings - I've heard this one before, and was a big fan. Never heard it with The Ascension into, and it flows way better with it. This doesn't sound all that different from the original, but I'm not complaining; it's a great song. This solo is definitely crisper and has a better reverb. Also, the outro builds up far more epicly.

Army of the Dead Part 1 - Reminds me of "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" by Symphony-X, what with Eric Adams singing with a bunch of other vocalists. The ending falsetto is fucking epic.

Sleipnir - I'd prefer they cut down on all this spoken shit. Its short and to the point though. This song is fucking excellent though. Reminds me of Fight Until We Die. The chorus is great.

"Carry we, who die in battle
Over land and sea
Across the rainbow bridge to Valhalla
Odins waiting for me!"

Very nice solo too, Karl Logan is one of my favorite guitarists because of his distinct and precise sound. And the repeating chorus is, as always, a nice little sing-a-long.

Loki God of Fire - Nice riffs! This is a nice heavy head-banger. The riffs seem different than what I've become accustomed to with Manowar, but its welcome. They need to variate their riffs more like this. Once again, another killer solo.

"God of Fire! BURNING HIGHER! God of Fire! Into the sky!"

Ripping outro guitar solo? Check. Very nice touch.

Blood Brothers - Clean Eric Adams singing. Majestic background music. I can dig on this. He really knows how to show off his range and power. This is exactly why he's my favorite metal vocalist. This reminds me of Swords in the Wind meets Hearts of Steel meets Fight for Freedom. I like the solo in this one too, melodic and simple. Fits the solemn mood.

Overture to Odin - All this orchestra makes me nostalgic for Manowar; it definitely carries their sounds and ideals quite well. It's done perfectly. I don't grow tired of any of it, it serves the album perfectly. They should've wrote the soundtrack for 300. I could definitely see this album used in a movie. Just imagine doing your taxes or homework to this music.

The Blood of Odin - Menacing tune. More talking, "Perched upon his shoulders are ravens," yadda yadda, magic sword, golden helmet, eight legged horse, yadda yadda.

The Sons of Odin - Another song I had heard before the album. This is the song that pumped me up for this album, hearing it made this wait a long one. One of their best songs...EVER. Even the spoken part is as epic as hell.

Glory Majesty Unity - Part 2 of The Warriors Prayer. Remember? "Tell me a story grandfather!" "Well, get me your storybook!" Now they fit it in with the story. Nice sound effects makes you visualize the Sons of Odin ripping apart entire armies by themselves.

Gods of War - This song mixes the best of what we've heard from the album; the film score bits, epic mid-paced brooding doom metal thats reminiscent of old-school Manowar, and Eric Adams godly vocals. I'm glad I waited to listen to this in the context of the album. A great song. Another kick-ass solo.

Army of the Dead Part 2 - This isn't that much different. Probably a little less satisfying than Part 1 because of its placement. Another great ending falsetto.

Odin - Nice little guitar harmony intro, sounds like the Funeral March section of Achilles back on "The Triumph of Steel." This is an epic mid-tempo number much like a lot of the prior songs. They even bring back Army of the Deads vocal harmonies backed by guitar. Nice touch. And they bring back that kick ass falsetto too.

Hymn of the Immortal Warriors - And so we've reached the last song of the album. Acoustic guitars and sweeping strings back Eric Adams clear, powerful vocals. A good ender, it picks up nicely. Eric Adams kicks it into the higher range of his voice at the perfect time, and shortly after the epic heaviness returns.

This album flows very well from one song to the next, telling an epic tale you can't not listen to in full. This isn't an album meant to be listened to in pieces, it's definitely a more enjoyable experience if you set aside an hour to listen to it in full followed by 20 minutes or so to reflect on its greatness.

Manowar...true metal at it's very best. After nearly 30 years of epic masterpiece after epic masterpiece, Manowar has established themselves as being the metal band. No matter what else has happened in the metal scene, from the death of death metal, to the disappearance of thrash, to last year's destruction of all that was right with black metal, Manowar has always stood proud and true as the embodiment of true, unyielding heavy metal, and despite their laughably over-serious lyrics and image, it's often been said that Manowar can do no wrong.

...And then there was Gods Of War...

Their last album, Warriors Of The World, is often considered to be their weakest album, although is still heralded as a monument of true epic heavy metal, despite the increased frequency of interludes, spoken narration tracks, etc. In short, it was too much on the "epic" side and lacking in "heavy". But there was still enough actual heavy metal to make it a worthwhile, and spectacular listen. Considering the degree of criticism of the excessive emphasis on making the album "epic", and how much Manowar actually cares about their fans, it was widely believed that their new album Gods Of War would be a return to the Kings Of Metal days, and the release of the new album was looked forward to by metalheads the world over. But then February 23rd, 2007 came. A day that will indeed live in infamy...

When this CD finally arrived on my doorstep, I was quite literally shaking with excitement. I'm extremely into black and doom metal, but Manowar has always been one of my three favorite bands of all time. Suffice to say, I was extremely excited about this CD and immediately popped it into my stereo. Despite the lack of the word "metal" in the tracklisting, I was not at all deterred, and the six-and-a-third minute intro track was everything I had been hoping for, and so much more. Epic as fuck, the perfect intro to what I expected to be the perfect album. And then the second track, "The Ascension" came on. "Another epic as fuck intro," I thought. What a poor fool I was.

The symphonic instrumentality continued on for another 2:30, and then I finally heard guitars. Fuck yes. "King Of Kings" took off, and I was very satisfied. Everything we've come to know and love from a Manowar song was here - the wailing guitars, the excellent percussion, and Eric Adams' spectacular vocals. About halfway through the track, there's the odd spoken bit of wonderful faggotry that Manowar is famous for, and it stretches on a bit longer than is preferable, but then it's back to the heavy metal goodness. All in all, a great song, and I sat back as the song died down and waited for the next bit of brilliance to burst forth from my speakers.

And lo! "Army Of The Dead, Part 1" began. And...another overture? Fine. Surely the next track will be metal, right? Of course. And so "Sleipnir" began. Annnd...more spoken narrative bullshit? Fuck. Being a good sport and enduring, I let the track play, groaning when I saw that it was going to be a 5-minute ride. Fortunately, about halfway through, the guitars start up, and it begins to take the shape of an actual song. Tension mounted as the seeming introductory quietness continued on and on, hinting at an amazing crescendo as heavy metal goodness was surely to come in at full force at any moment. And I waited. And waited. And waited. There seemed to be a recurring chorus amongst the quietness, but surely this couldn't be the whole song, could it? While pondering this, the track apparently came to an end, and "Loki God Of Fire" began to play.

Despite knowing that Loki was the god of trickery/mischief/what-have-you, and not fire, I was still pumped for this track, because it also had guitars and everything. About halfway through the track, I was already convinced that it was going to be a repeat of the last track - building up with a lot of quietness and half-assed introductory riffs but never delivering - but it did. Oh how it delivered. A perfect Manowar track, in every sense of the word. I (foolishly) got my hopes up after this and expected the next track "Blood Brothers" to be another full-fledged song, but instead, I was greeted with what sounds disturbingly like a violin, and Eric Adams' voice, except in an unbelievably faggy tone, which it turns out is very fitting of the "song." "Blood Brothers" is, without a doubt, the worst track Manowar has ever put together, and possibly the worst metal song I've ever heard, period. The lyrics, which are all there is, besides a quiet, very slow guitar, and some Valentine's Day-inspired synth effects, are about (it seems) two gay lovers. I'm not even kidding. "Think of me, wherever you are, when it seems like you're reaching the end. Call on me, know in your heart, one who will always be there" - WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?! I actually shouted out in anguish. Refusing to hit Next, though, I endured it somehow and waited for the next track called "Overture to Odin." As the name implies, it is another useless overture. Getting quite fed up with this, I skipped to the next track "The Blood Of Odin."

A suitably badass name for what I hoped to be a badass song. But, in what is apparently typical of this disaster, it's just a 4-minute-long spoken narration of what is quite possibly something that Eric Adams read on Wikipedia. Ever-enduring and loyal to Manowar, (fallen) champions of metal, I waited it out and was greeted (at last) by guitars and some drums, albeit very slow and quiet. And then Eric's voice came in, whispering for the better part of a minute, and I sighed, assuming it to be another faggy narration. Eventually, the vocals come to a crescendo as he shouts some nonsense about the sons of Odin. But then the whispering and barely-audible drums resume...and persist until the end of this non-song.

The next track, "Glory Majesty Unite" is simply more idiotic narration about Norse mythology. Five long minutes of it. It turns out, Odin gave some warriors "THE BERSERKER RAGE", which, according to Eric Adams, makes the warriors no longer mortal. Despite the fact that, historically speaking, berserkers had the highest mortality rate of all Norse warriors...but hey, if you're going to butcher heavy metal, why not butcher history as well, right?

Following that abomination, there is more of the aforementioned leading-up-to-but-never-delivering nonsense, as the title track develops into a circlejerk of annoying chanting with a weak guitar in the background.

After that, there is the second part of "Army Of The Dead." Same as Part One but with different words, still an utter lack of metal, let alone music. After that is "Odin", which has the tempo of a slower-than-normal love ballad, but with more Norse-mythology-based lyrics. There are guitars, yes, and drums, yes, but this, my friends, is not metal.

Finally, the "concept" part of the album was coming to a close with "Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors." It would have been a suitably epic outro track...if the album itself had included something other than epicness. It brings the Norse tale to a close well enough, but again, it's just another gay interlude track that the CD is filled with.

And then, the "bonus" track (which is, incidentally, included on every copy of the CD) - "Die For Metal"! I figured I'd at least be getting one normal Manowar song from this CD, so I was happy. It starts out slowly, and then Eric Adams comes in quietly with "(I) Quit my job this morning//Said forever I would hold my head up high"...I was pissed. Similar wankery ensues until about 1:45, when the song itself takes some form, and it is indeed a typical Manowar track, albeit a below-average slow one. But it's good. The words "metal" "true" and "hall" are used in abundance, and the track is 5:16 long, so it ends the CD on a good note...perhaps to try to make the listener forget the other 1:10:00 of the album?

It does not work. At all. Gods Of War is an abomination unto the metal scene, and incredibly embarassing to even think of. I have no idea what the fuck Manowar was thinking with this, but perhaps they really are getting too old for this. Everyone I've personally spoken to about this CD agrees entirely with me. In the end, I'm not angry - they tried, very hard, and have also given me 27 years of brilliance before this - but I am extremely crushed. Later that night as I was going to sleep, I realized that this is it. Black metal died last year, with such bullshit as The Cult Is Alive and Now, Diabolical, but I always had Manowar to look to, to assure me that despite the death of the black metal titans, metal itself was alive and well. This CD destroyed that in me, and something inside of me died with it. Manowar could have called it quits and stopped putting out new music, and simply toured a bit and then retired peacefully from the metal scene after a final, epic farewell tour, but instead, they chose to do...this. With Manowar out of the picture, the future is looking very bleak.

I do not recommend this CD to anyone. It would be best if we all pretended that it simply had never happened, and that Joey DeMaio died in a motorcycle accident while running down some Hot Topic kids. Manowar is dead.