Well I guess the expected opening to any review on a new Manowar release would have to be "All Hail the Kings of Metal!" So in trying to avoid cliché, I'm not going to do that. but hail them anyway. Yes, the record holders for Loudest band on earth have indeed returned to lay waste to false metal and wimp rock everywhere. and who's gonna get in the way of four mean- looking barbarians on motorcycles, sporting clubs in their hands and anger in their hearts?

This time, their guitars are the weapons of choice and when I say weapon, it's no exaggeration. The band is known for giving their instruments such a beating, all the while battering the listeners senseless with the decibel splitting power. Caught live here, finally for long suffering American fans, "Hell on Stage" is an immeasurable on-stage performance highlighting one of the most influential heavy metal banner holders ever in existence.

You've heard all of the descriptions and the far reaching tales of them being the Kings of Metal and taking the whole aspect of heavy metal music to such astounding heights that they've almost become legends in their own time. in fact in many places they surely are! But it's all true. Seeing this band live is really something special, and yes, they are "louder than hell!" Manowar is immensely popular overseas, and possess an incredibly loyal fan base that's helped enable the band to endure for the better part of two decades. Hard to believe, but it has been that long. If anyone dismissed them as fading God-fathers of the metal movement of yesteryear or grew tired of the character acting and the sign of the hammer symbol that's been their staple over the years, then my suggestion is to play this album-loudly-and you will be convinced otherwise. There are few bands that can match the speed and skill of Manowar on the stage and even less that can approach their power and fury.

But far from limiting themselves to strictly a power-driven, speed metal act, Manowar has always maintained a certain grace and dignity in their song-writing. In a sense, they've created a very theatrical aspect that incorporates various guest narration and orchestrated atmosphere that fits well with the theme they've developed with each successive recording, generally based on significant points of reference to them from history. Whoa. I just read over the inside cover booklet for the personal commentary based on the recording and it's just a little bit "out there." I mean, nasty! And I was just going to make a point about how they've got their softer touch that's made the tastefully crafted classic epics like "Gates of Valhalla" and "Master of the Wind" such long admired fan favorites. So to avoid any possible contradictions here now that I've almost put my foot in it. but they are a seriously intense group of individuals.

"Hell on Stage" is really an accompaniment to a previously release live disc they did that saw a Europe only release, therefore, American fans will be quick to notice not all of their biggest "hits" are included. Recorded at numerous stops throughout Europe from last year, the songs tend to follow along a sequential pattern beginning with their earliest classics at the beginning of disc one and leaving off by the end of disc two with their newest material from '97's "Louder than Hell."

From its earliest moments, "Metal Daze" and "Dark Avenger" from "Battle Hymns," sound astoundingly consistent with the original versions. "Dark Avenger" even includes the masterful narration as originally provided by the eerie voice of Orson Welles himself. Each disc contains eight total tracks that include some very lengthy opuses where we'll embark on a journey through a mystical timeline and explore places where the true metal warrior reigned supreme. Keeping in mind that they've done many of the more recent and for many, familiar songs not long ago on a similar live recording, there does exist a few trying moments where not having known this information, could easily be considered a questionable call. But as it stands, everything on the two-disc set falls in together very smoothly. The crowd participation during the intro of "Warrior's Prayer" on disc two is nothing short of shocking. They knew and recited every word! The playing here is flawlessly delivered as usual and the band is never at a loss for showmanship, as the instrumental interludes and effortless incitement of the crowd serves to indicate.

Manowar and their fans take themselves very seriously and they've worked hard to develop this bond between them. The band has delivered the goods time after time and follow only one method for doing things. their own. So whether you're a huge fan of the band, casually indifferent or absolutely despise them as being an over-aged joke, they should be admired if for only one thing that too many people then and especially now haven't the courage to do-stick to their guns and stay true to their roots in spite of pressures to do otherwise. Yes, the road does indeed belong to Manowar so either join them or steer clear of the way. poseur!