Manowar - The Triumph of Steel - Red Vinyl - 2XLP

With a 28-minute opening track, slightly expanded lyrical themes, and some of the best rhythmic onslaughts recorded by Manowar, The Triumph of Steel is perhaps the band’s finest ’90s offering. While never abandoning their myopic swords-and-sorcery themed power metal, Manowar had evolved musically during their first decade together and the music of this 1992 release benefits from what must have been countless hours woodshedding extreme musical figures.

 Tighter than a tumble-dried loin cloth, the standout track “Ride the Dragon” is an exceptionally fast number that signifies a commitment toward high-speed compositions on the part of bassist/songwriter Joey DeMaio. There is absolutely no subtlety or irony to Manowar or their cartoon metal, and many listeners will have trouble taking either seriously. Their credo, “death to false metal,” and similar messages are constantly repeated, and unlike other comic book outfits like Gwar, Manowar aren’t hamming it up for laughs.

Achilles, Agony And Ecstasy In Eight Parts
Prelude    
Hector Storms The Wall    
The Death Of Patroclus    
Funeral March    
Armor Of The Gods    
Hector's Final Hour    
Death Hector's Reward    
The Desecration Of Hector's Body Part 1    
The Desecration Of Hector's Body Part 2    
The Glory Of Achilles    
Metal Warriors
Ride The Dragon
Spirit Horse Of The Cherokee
Burning
The Power Of Thy Sword
The Demon's Whip
Master Of The Wind