When it comes to
Manowar, Sign Of The Hammer has always meant something special to me. It has this fascinating balance between epic features and raw, stripped down Heavy Metal.
All Men Play On 10 is a fitting and direct opening song, perhaps not that varied but with simple measures it delivers the message right on the spot, it's powerful, groovy and filled with
Manowar attitude.
With
Animals a high-tempo approach is chosen, wild bass and pounding drums leading onwards towards Metal mayhem. The unpretentious vibe rocks but it lacks a stronger chorus and ends rather abruptly.
Capturing the true essence of
majestic mythology,
Thor (The Powerhead) is one
Manowar's best songs in this category. You can almost feel the wind from Thor's hammer in the back of your neck while this magical piece of glorious music leaves the speakers. Epic choirs, thunderous drumming, blistering guitar solo, epic leads, earth shattering bass lines and convincing vocals.its all in there somewhere.
Manowar has a unique talent of creating unforgettable moods; the first one and a half minute of
Mountains certainly takes me away to a special place, a place where strength is gathered. Ingenious bass tunes, spellbinding keys and Eric's magical voice lift this song beyond imaginable. The guitar and bass collaboration in the middle creates a magnificent and totally hypnotic mood. Words cannot describe just how fantastic and utterly soul stirring this creation is, it touches the essence of life with the purest kind of grace.
If
Mountains defines beauty,
Sign Of The Hammer resembles pure pounding power. From the intense opening, over a dramatic mid-section into the crazy ending section. It's almost impossible not to scream along to
black is the wind on the heels of the gifted. As if that wasn't enough to get your adrenaline going,
The Oath hits with a second round of Heavy Metal pur. The wild and technical guitar solos are some of my favourites from Ross and Eric's screaming vocal approach gives the song that extra level of vividness.
The instrumental bass solo that is
Thunderpick, is one of Joey's most progressive projects, shifting from intense madness to mellow harmony, surely a solid and interesting piece of music.
Guyana (Cult Of The Damned) is in my opinion one of
Manowar's best songs, being close to
Mountains. The thrilling build-up is just so important in these long epic cuts, and here everything falls into place. The atmospheres are both dramatic and emotional and the musical performance is down right phenomenal. The rhythm guitar incorporates rawness, speed and groove and once again Eric's soaring voice ignites just the right feeling of pure intensity.
The unpolished and raw production fits the musical content perfectly; one of the coolest things about this band is the ability to make breathtakingly epic music with simple means, still keeping up a high level of performance. The great lyrics are also held quite uncomplicated but written in cool poetic and striking fashion, and yes you guessed right, lots of heroism, mysticism and personal dignity.
Sign Of The Hammer represent one of
Manowar's finest and most comprehensive albums.
Written by
Tommy Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 8.5/10Members: 8.5/10 - Average of 2 ratings.
Member ratings
 | Steen (Staff)
Rating: 8.5/10
Also one of my favorites from Manowar, so I just had to comment on it shortly.
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