Nanowar - Into Gay Pride Ride

It’s no secret that bands like Rhapsody of Fire and Manowar have as many fans as they do detractors.  So, it should be no surprise that there is a band that parodies both bands in the Italian group known as Nanowar of Steel.  Originally known as Nanowar, the band added the “of Steel” to their name in an effort to mirror the name change of Rhapsody (of Fire).  As you can tell, Nanowar (of Steel) is all about poking some fun at Manowar and Rhapsody of Fire, but Nanowar of Steel is more than just a parody.  This year, the band has released a new album into Into Gay Pride Ride, which follows such illustrious Nanowar of Steel albums such as Made in Naples and Other Bands Play, Nanowar Gay! 

Any parody act has to at least, be able to handle their instruments, as Weird Al Yankovic will tell you.  Nanowar of Steel does this quite well, almost to the point of being Manowar’s class clown little brother.  It only takes all of nine seconds, or the intro “Metropolis Pt. 3 - The Legacy” to figure out that this album is going to go all out for the laughs.  “NanowaR” is as blatant as it gets when it comes to name dropping bands as this song does.  “The Nanowarrior’s Prayer” is the definition of low brow comedy, complete with farts, sexual toy references, and tricycle mentions.  Of course, if you don’t already know that Nanowar of Steel is a parody band, then the joke is probably lost on you.  One of the best songs on the album is “Odino and Valhalla,” which will make the listener laugh and appreciate the musical prowess that the band possesses.  For all of the comedy, it is the music that deserves the praise.  Playing the style of music that bands like Manowar and Rhapsody play takes some guts and skill, and Nanowar of Steel has both, with strong vocals, guitars that command the listener’s attention, and an all-around heavy metal sound that puts some bands to shame.  However, with a name like Nanowar of Steel, the band often references both Manowar and Rhapsody of Fire songs, in both title and specific parts of songs from both bands, which means that if you don’t listen to either band, then the references will likely go over your head. 

Nanowar of Steel likes to make people laugh, and Into Gay Pride Ride is proof of that.  However, the reception of the humor in which the band delivers the material is up to the listener.  Even if you don’t like the humor on the album, the music more than satisfies, as it is heavy metal the way it should be.  There is a future for Nanowar of Steel long after they run out of material to make parodies from, but for now, enjoy the album and have a good laugh.

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*Comments:

December 3, 2010

Reviewer: Peter

Release Date: September, 2010
Label: Band Self Released

TRACK LISTING

1.  Metropolis Pt. 3 - The Legacy
2.  NanowaR
3.  Stormlord of Power
4. The Nanowarrior’s Prayer
5.  Blood of the Queens
6.  DJ Fernanduzzo
7.  Odino and Valhalla
8.  Radio Grafia #2
9.  Surprise Love
10.  Forest of Magnaccions
11.  1 vs. 100
12.  Look at Two Reels
13.  Lamento Erotico
14.  RAP-sody
15.  Karkagnor’s Song - The Hobbit
16.  Karkagnor’s Song - In the Forest

Total playing time:  52:47