von Oliver/Keep-It-True » 16. März 2007, 11:06
Hier mal ein Augenzeugenbericht:
.Manowar - in a word, breathtaking! With a new album under their belt and a long period of not playing live the band were there to prove themselves again and try something new. This new, more serious approach resulted, like I said, in a show without solos (Joey's bass solo was under three minutes and Karl did none), ballads, talking, beer drinking, tit flashing and bike riding. Last time I saw them (on WOTW tour) they played an acoustic set, Joey'solo was 12 minutes long and his speech 10 minutes (even Eric got a solo spot for ''screams of blood'') plus they did zero epics. Completely different philosophy! That's why I must say that last night's concert is the best I've ever seen. From the beginning I was amazed by the power of the sound - never Manowar had such an amazing sound! Still loud as hell but so clear and well-balanced it left every band I ever heard in the dust. This increased the enjoyment of the songs immensely!
After the initial three songs which were same as the set on Earthshaker I expected something similar to follow. Boy, was I wrong! Eric announced that it was time for Manowar to take us on a little history trip with some intersting songs. He said they gathered fans requests (especially from official forum) so they rehearsed some old stuff. With that said, they begun Gloves of Metal! I was amazed! Finally they played something off Into Glory Ride! That was followed with an even more surprising Each Dawn I Die - sounded heavy and incredible (and it was first time band ever did it live I think). Also, Holy War - now who the fuck could imagine them playing that one? Reminded me what a killer song this is and how fucking brutally heavy the second part of Fighting the World is! Next up, Eric announced ''the number one most requested song by the fans'' - Mountains. This epic was done with such dignity and class I was completely overwhelmed with awe! It was like I got transported back to 1984. All these songs were done with modest, intimate lighting as well, which added to the atmosphere. Joey's bass never sounded like that live and Eric sang his heart out. It was obvious that he was enjoying himself all the way! Blood of My Enemies is a staple and was killer as ever but instead of following it with Kill With Power, the band launched into The Oath! So surprises weren't over. I completely tore my lungs and throat on this one, trying to keep up with wicked falsettos! KILLER! And for the end of the ''epic'' part of the show, Eric announced a song which he loves but was sadly ever done live only once or twice. It was personally the biggest surprise for me and one of my all-time favourite songs - Secret of Steel! The doomy epic goodness of this tune was just mesmerizing! Overall, this was something most of the hardcore fans dreamt for years and it finally came true. Unbelievable.
For most people, those songs weren't that interesting (probably the more casual fans), which proved the eruption of enjoyment during the ''party set'' started with Gods Made Heavy Metal. To these songs EVERYONE sang along to and the feeling was amazing. Die For Metal sounded MASSIVE!
After the party-time, it was time to put the pedal to the metal with some of the fastest Mano-songs in the catalogue. You can see on the setlist that these are all scorchers. I've heard all of them live before so most interesting was King of Kings - great performance of that one, and Power ruled as well (like always). Karl was shredding like crazy on his new guitars (Heretic and Impaler) and Scott was double-blasting all the way. Eric was screaming like a madman - they were all on fire. Only Joey remained serious as always with his significant looks and fist raisings!
After Blackwind, I thought the show was (like always) over. Wrong again! The big video wall behind the stage (which was used to great effect during the entire show as well) showed images from norse mythology while the Blood of Odin was heard through the speakers. The Gods of War segment started! For this part of the show, the video wall actually showed a film made to accompany the album, with actors playing the roles of vikings from Glory Majesty Unity and fighting and dying. Every lyric was followed with a matching film. Fucking brilliant! Also, two keyboardists joined Manowar for this part of the show - the guy from Holy Hell and the guy from Earthshaker DVD. They played all the interludes and sound effects live. Very cool. Sons of Odin was played next - that one nearly blew the roof off - Joey turned up the volume to 11 for this part of the show I guess! Following were Gods of War (huge and majestic, simply the best song ever - and played completely true to the studio version as well, which kicked ass!), Army of the Dead (Eric singing a capella) Odin (never thought they're gonna play that one! Also an excellent song and performance) and for the grand finale Hymn of the Immortal Warriors! An unexpecting but a glorious way to end a glorious evening. After 2 hours and 45 minutes the sound of Crown and the Ring marked it was time to return from this trip to a better place to real life (and a 14 hour ride back home!).
"Valor pleases you, Crom...so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to HELL with you!"
