Manowar

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This article is about the band. For other uses, see Man O' War.
Manowar
Eric Adams of Manowar, 2002 Bercy Paris live
Eric Adams of Manowar, 2002 Bercy Paris live
Background information
Origin Auburn, New York, USA
Genre(s) Heavy metal
Power metal
Years active 1980–present
Label(s) Magic Circle Music
Website www.manowar.com
Members
Joey DeMaio
Eric Adams
Karl Logan
Scott Columbus

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 Swords 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 tried to break several times since.

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 popular in Europe.

Contents

[edit] 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. [2]

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

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.

[edit] Merchandise

Manowar have launched a range of condoms called "The Warrior's Shield" as part of their official merchandise range.[3]

[edit] Members

[edit] Current members

[edit] Former members

[edit] Guitars

[edit] 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)

[edit] Roadies

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

[edit] Timeline

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] Live

[edit] Compilations

[edit] Singles/EPs

  • "Defender" (1983)
  • "All Men Play On Ten" (1984)
  • "Blow Your Speakers" (1987)
  • "Herz Aus Stahl" (1988)
  • "Metal Warriors" (1992)
  • "Defender" (1994)
  • "Return of the Warlord" (1996)
  • "Courage" (1996)
  • "Courage Live" (1996)
  • "Number 1" (1996)
  • "Live in Spain" (1998)
  • "Live in Portugal" (1998)
  • "Live in France" (1998)
  • "Live in Germany" (1998)
  • "Warriors of the World united" (2002)
  • "Warriors of the World united Part 2" (2002)
  • "An American Trilogy/The Fight for Freedom" (2002)
  • "Dawn of Battle" (2002)
  • "King of Kings" (included in "Hell on Earth Part IV") (2005)
  • "The Sons of Odin" (First EP) (2006)

[edit] VHS/DVDs

  • Secrets of Steel (VHS) (1993)
  • Hell on Earth Part I (DVD) (2001)
  • Fire and Blood (DVD) (2002)
  • Warriors of the World united (Mini DVD/CD) (2002)
  • Hell on Earth Part III (DVD) (2003)
  • Hell on Earth Part IV (DVD) (2005)
  • The Day the Earth Shook - The Absolute Power (DVD) (2006)
  • Magic Circle Festival Volume 1 (DVD) (2007)

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ MTV interview, February 2007
  2. ^ Dawk Sound Limited - Bruce Springsteen
  3. ^ Classic Rock Magazine Issue116

[edit] External links

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