6 Potent Manowar Cuts from the 1980s to Convert the Heathen
Manowar’s devotion to epic, bombastic songs that appeal to one’s young inner warrior is both a blessing and a curse. The New York quartet, known for their credo “Death to False Metal” and painfully high-decibel levels at concerts, have crafted some gloriously over-the-top works inspired by robust classical symphonies. At the same time, tracks like “All Men Play on 10,” “The Gods Made Heavy Metal,” and “Hail and Kill” also give you an idea of the general lyrical slant. But for those listeners weaned on such rockers, it’s still a fun listen in adulthood. For the general public, perhaps not so much.
The silly or cheesy nature of many Manowar lyrics and the band’s very macho posturing understandably overshadow the music for many, but they have created songs that even naysayers can listen to and gain a new appreciation for. The following six selections represent some potent Manowar moments.
The first Manowar album Battle Hymns, which felt underproduced, was released on Liberty Records, a subsidiary of Capitol Records at the time. It included two songs that were inspired by experiences of Vietnam vets. The opening track “Death Tone” took an angrier, more sarcastic take about a disgruntled soldier who has trouble fitting in at home after serving his country. “Shell Shock” is a more intense song about a vet who writes a letter home addressing how he’s already become mentally and emotionally damaged by what he has seen in war. The third verse sees him return home but feeling like his mind’s blown. The second verse includes the poignant line, And if they tell you that I’m M.I.A. / Think a little less about me each day / ‘Cause if I ever get back / I’ll be shell shocked.
