Manowar

Manowar is an American heavy metal band from Auburn, New York. Originally formed in 1980, they are known for writing lyrics with an emphasis on fantasy, (particularly sword and sorcery) themselves and mythological topics, particularly Norse mythology. Manowar's sound is loud and bombastic; in an interview for MTV in February 2007, bassist Joey DeMaio lamented that "these days, there's a real lack of big, epic metal that is drenched with crushing guitars and choirs and orchestras ... so it's nice to be one of the few bands that's actually doing that."^[1] In 1984 the band was included in the Guinness Book of World Records for delivering the loudest performance, a record which they have since broken on 2 occasions. Although the band has never been a mainstream commercial success in the United States, they maintain a strong cult following there - dedicated fans are known and referred to by the band as "Manowarriors" or "Immortals". In contrast, they're very popular in Europe and they also have a strong following in South America.

The band sold over 10 million copies. ^[2]

Biography

Joey DeMaio was working as a bass tech / pyrotechnic for Black Sabbath when he met with guitarist Ross the Boss, playing for a group called Shakin' Street, a Black Sabbath support band. They later recruited Eric Adams for vocals and Donny Hamzik for the drums, to create Manowar — a band with an unusual epic sound. Manowar recorded Battle Hymns, their debut album, which featured "Dark Avenger", a slow epic track with narration by Orson Welles. (Welles returned on the Into Glory Ride album and did the narration on another slow track called "Defender". This song was later reworked for the band's Fighting the World album.)

Drummer Scott Columbus joined the band for their second album, Into Glory Ride. Custom equipment was built for the band by John "Dawk" Stillwell, which helped in achieving their sound. ^[3]

The band usually performs in and around Europe (particularly Germany and Bulgaria), South America (especially Argentina and Brazil) and Japan.

Manowar influenced the early Swedish Black Metal band Bathory during their transition from a Satanic Metal to their later Viking Metal sound. Bathory's lead singer Quorthon stated in a 2002 interview: "In 1986-1988, BATHORY had a drummer who was heavily influenced by Manowar. He didn't enjoy any other type of metal, but he was somehow sold on Manowar. It wasn't like we decided to copy what they were doing. However, the typical heavy Manowar beat seemed to perfectly suit my new ideas for lyrics at the time."

The band is also notable for its ownership of their entire operation. Record recording and distribution, as well as merchandise, are all controlled by the band. Singer Eric Adams has said that the reason for this is that the band has received unfair treatment financially in the past, and also to ensure the highest quality production. [1] The band's label, Magic Circle Music, includes other bands such as Rhapsody of Fire and HolyHell. [2]

Their latest album is Gods of War, for other albums, see the discography.

Merchandise

Manowar have launched a range of condoms called "The Warrior's Shield" as part of their official merchandise range.^[4]

Members

Current members

Eric Adams - vocals (1980–present), guitar (1980, for a short while)
Joey DeMaio - bass guitars, guitars, keyboards, classical guitar (1980–present)
Karl Logan - guitars, keyboards, classical guitar (1994–present)
Scott Columbus - drums, percussion (1983–1991, 1995–2008?)

Rhino filled in for drummer Scott Columbus durning Manowars' recent show in Bulgaria and also played with them during their performance at Magic Circle Festival on July 11th & 12th 2008. It is not yet known how long Scott Columbus will be absent for, during the soundcheck at Magic Circle Festival, Joey DeMaio stated that Scott was missing due to recent "personal tragedies" he had suffered.

Former members

Guitars

Ross "The Boss" Friedman (1980–1988)
David Shankle (1989–1993) played for a while in Chicago, Illinois, before he was chosen from about 150 guitarists to replace Ross The Boss. Eric and Joey met him while recording "Kings Of Metal" in Chicago.

Drums

Carl Canedy (formerly of The Rods) (1980)
Donny Hamzik (1981–1982)
Ethan Mays (1982, touring only)
Rhino (real name: Kenny Earl Edwards) (1992–1995, (2008 touring only))

Roadies

Alan Feller (Bloodaxe) (2000–2006)
Rick "Smitty" Smith (Lighting Designer)

Timeline

Discography

Albums

^[5]

Battle Hymns (1982)
Into Glory Ride (1983)
Hail to England (1984)
Sign of the Hammer (1984)
Fighting the World (1987) - Gold in germany
Kings of Metal (1988) - Gold in germany
The Triumph of Steel (1992) - Gold in germany
Louder Than Hell (1996)
Warriors of the World (2002) - Gold in germany
Gods of War (2007)

References

^ MTV interview, February 2007
^ http://www.amazon.com/Hell-Earth-IV-Manowar/dp/B0009V8V2Y
^ Dawk Sound Limited - Bruce Springsteen
^ Classic Rock Magazine Issue116
^ http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin_datenbank.html

External links

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[1] MTV interview, February 2007

[2] ttp://www.amazon.com/Hell-Earth-IV-Manowar/dp/B0009V8V2Y

[3] Dawk Sound Limited - Bruce Springsteen

[4] Classic Rock Magazine Issue116

[5] ttp://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin_datenbank.html

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