Gods Of War [Import]

"Gods of War" was released in 2007 and is, as of 2011, Manowar's most recent original album ("Battle Hymns MMXI" clearly doesn't count). What they tried to do is what many power metal bands try (and usually fail at): create an album that tells a coherent story, rather than an album that consists of stand-alone songs. It is Manowar's first, and so far only, attempt at this, even though the 29-minute song "Achilles, Agony and Ecstasy in Eight Parts" on "The Triumph of Steel" (1992) was a step in that direction.

"Gods of War" deals with Norse mythology, especially with Odin, the ruler of Asgard. To sum it up, I feel that "Gods of War" doesn't have enough metal on it! The first two tracks are intro and story, with the third track, "King of Kings", being the first actual song. Unfortunately they messed up the volumes of the record, with the songs having too low volume compared to the story parts. Strange for a band that has often claimed to be the loudest in the world.

"Army of the Dead, Part I" is a choral that is reminiscent of early music. However, it turns out that early music is best left to professionals. Manowar is so much better at what it knows best: at metal music. "Blood Brothers", the seventh track, is a nice ballad, and "Sons of Odin", the tenth track, has a sound that reminded me of their second 1984 album (and fourth album overall), "Sign of the Hammer". The bonus track, "Die for Metal" has a very good sound even though it almost counts as a venture into hard rock.

Overall I found "Gods of War" a bit disappointing. Manowar should stick to what they are best at rather than trying to be operatic and not succeeding at it. However, for the Manowar fan, the album nonetheless has a few points of interest.

I have to admit I've been a Manowar fan for years ever since Fighting the World and Kings of Metal, and although I enjoy there CD's even I realize that innovators or musical genius' they are not, however that doesn't take away from the entertainment value for me. This CD recaptures what Manowar does best, aggressive, catchy mythical songs. One of the better Heavy Metal Discs of the year, in my opinion, right up there with Helloween "Keeper, the Legacy" and Megadeth United.... (which is their best Cd since Extinction.) This CD is well worth more than a single star.

One of the best heavy metal albums of the year. This is one album that you have to experience for yourself. Gods of War is well-crafted and well written. Manowar has created their masterpiece. It is one of the best power metal albums of all-time. It is masterpiece. Manowar has delivered a brilliant piece of work. It is one of their best albums.