Manowar - Battle Hymns MMXI

Release Date: November 26, 2010
Label: Magic Circle Music

TRACK LISTING

1.  Death Tone
2.  Metal Daze
3.  Fast Taker
4.  Shell Shock
5.  Manowar
6.  Dark Avenger
7.  William’s Tale
8.  Battle Hymn
9.  Death Tone (Live 1982)
10.  Fast Taker (Live 1982)

Total playing time:  48:23

It’s not just Hollywood revisiting the past these days. As of late, re-recording material has become rather vogue in Metal these days. The re-recordings appear as either bonus tracks, compilations of earlier material or full-blown albums. Manowar has followed bands like Exodus, Testament, Pestilence and Suicidal Tendencies in giving their early material a second go ‘round.

For those not up to speed, Joey DeMaio states that Battle Hymns was re-recorded to give their debut a sonic update using the current technology.  Also of note, Battle Hymns MMXI also features the official return of drummer Donnie Hamzik (who also appeared on 2009’s Thunder in the Sky EP and portions of Hell on Earth V, but in an unofficial aspect as Scott Columbus hadn’t officially quit). Sir Christopher Lee now handles the narration for “Dark Avenger” and long-time guitarist Karl Logan still handles the axe. So on the surface, Battle Hymns MMXI does seem to be yet another unnecessary re-recording. There was nothing wrong with the original and Orson Welles did a killer job.  However, the sound has been strikingly updated, the songs noticeably beefed up and both Eric Adams’, Hamzik’s and Lee’s performances may trump the original.

You know what to expect, so here it goes: “Death Tone” roars with a badder bike and a heavier sounding riff.  Adams’ vocals soar and DeMaio’s bass has a bit more sizzle and and grind. “Metal Daze” is another volume cranker.  Again, Adam’s vocals have a nice urgency and are slighty a bit more gruff than the original.  But the still maintain the range.  Hamzik’s drums are fierce, crisp and pack a punch. The crunchy rocker “Fast Taker” also is beefed up with a better bass presence.  Adams again knocks one out of the park with his performance and the riffs pack more of a punch.  DeMaio tries to take charge with his bass solo but Logan gives the best of the showcase. “Shell Shock” is a bit more somber and doom-friendly and Hamzik’s drums actually sound like ordnance exploding at the beginning of the song. The band’s self-titled track sounds akin to the recent live versions.  Adams gives a slightly more gruff performance, Logan spices up the riffs and DeMaio’s bass chords law down the law.

Manowar’s first grand tale, “Dark Avenger,” is now even grander.  The riffs are twice as heavy as the original.  DeMaio’s bass rumbles and grinds nicely and Adams performance is a bit more varied as he employs a few different ranges. The real focus will come upon Sir Christopher Lee, who gives his take on the narration.  Lee’s powerful performance has a slight snarl and has much more character than any of his narrations with Rhapsody of Fire.  Believe it or not, Lee’s performance fits this version perfectly as everything about the song has much more of a bite. “William’s Tale” is virtually identical but the production allows the hysterics to sound much more crisp and clean.  It easily surpasses the original in terms of audio quality. And like “Dark Avenger,” “Battle Hymns” is also grander. While the original still retains its charm when compared to this version, here the song just screams out of the speakers. It’s twice as massive but just as majestic.

The live tracks from 1982 are nothing to write home about in terms of production. They sound like they were captured on a handheld tape recorder and juiced up on the mixing board for this release.  DeMaio’s bass is virtually absent from both tracks.  However, both songs are a bit faster than the original and re-recorded versions.  It goes to show Manowar was always trying to blow away the audience.  Unfortunately these versions are only interesting upon the first listen

The original Battle Hymns was a hefty Metal disc, back when Manowar was all about bikes, babes, battles and beer. Battle Hymns MMXI is meatier, mightier and more massive.  Manowar recaptured the energy of their early recordings and this release is a striking about-face when compared to their recent grandiose (or bloated) mythology Metalpieces.  Hamzik’s drumming here is better than the original. It just hits harder than his original take and if he gives a similar performance on the next Manowar disc, Scott Columbus will not be missed.  Adam’s also sounds killer and the new production does indeed help separate the sounds, styles and tones of DeMaio and Logan, especially when compared to the original with it’s much muddier production.  Sir Christopher Lee couldn’t have been a better choice.  Hopefully he will also handle any narration on the upcoming Manowar disc as the narration on Gods of War had zero character or pizzazz.

So is Battle Hymns MMXI better than the original?  Yes.  A necessary purchase if you own the original?  Yes, as these versions of “Dark Avenger,” “Death Tone” and the title track just slay and the rest of the revamped material sounds killer.  But what may be the most important aspect is the energy captured on Battle Hymns MMXI.  Manowar doesn’t write songs like this anymore. Even their epic stuff on Warrior of the World and Gods of War pales in comparison to “Dark Avenger” and the title track.  If Manowar makes Hammer of the Gods sound anything like Battle Hymns MMXI in terms of performance and song writing, they’ll crank out a winner.  Sure, Battle Hymns didn’t need to be redone, but Adam’s vocals, Hamzik’s drums, DeMaio’s bass tones and Sir Christopher Lee’s performance may find most fans skipping over the original (even the remastered “Silver Edition” Metal Blade released in 2001) in favor of this one.  Highly recommend to all the loyal Immortals and fans of Power Metal.

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

Reviewer: Rottenbucher

December 10, 2010

TO THE TOP