Originally written by Erik Thomas.
Synopsis:
Say what you want about Manowar-they put on one hell of a show and their lavish DVD perfectly captures the band in their element: in front of their fans.
Review:
Arguably spewing forth more DVD’ s in the last year than any other band on the planet (what, they are up to Hell on Earth Pt 67 now?) Manowar have delivered what may be their crowning DVD achievement with this awesome two disc DVD covering the 2005 Earthshaker Fest in Germany in front of 25,000 fans, as well as the usual slew of fan based extras.
The concert itself is worth the DVD price, filmed with seven HD cameras and 5.1 surround sound, featuring a full orchestra as well as former Manowar members (drummers Donnie Hamzik and Rhino, as well as both past guitarists, Ross The Boss and David Shankle) returning to play some of the band’s classics amid the 22 tracks presented, which cover the band’s lengthy discography. And though the set list is littered with some of the band’s most popular tunes (“Manowar”, Kings of Metal”, “Blood of My Enemies”, Kill With Power”, “Dark Avenger, “Sign Of The Hammer”, etc) the closing two tracks, “Battle Hymns” and “Black Wind Fire and Steel” are the absolute epitome of why this band can fill arenas on any given night in any given country.
Also of note and arguably the DVD’s highlight is the band’s tribute to Richard Wagner, and though not endorsed by the Wagner estate (as detailed by Joey DeMaio reading of a letter from the Estate), “Prelude To Act III (Lohengrin)” as played by a 200 hundred piece choir and orchestra is a sight and sound to behold, as is the firework ceremony delivered to “The Crown and The Ring” as the credits roll.
As expected, disc two is the usual array of fan based extras from a three day Manowar fan festival containing ample amounts of metal wenches, loud motor bikes and heavily accented Europeans yelling “MANOWAR!!!!” into the camera, but the full Viking Re-enactment show from the band’s early days is impressive and puts the SCA and Renaissance Fair to shame.
At over 6 hours long, this DVD puts the Hell On Earth series to shame (and the half assed DVD that came with the Sons of Odin EP) with its presentation, production, show quality and extras and is an absolute must have for any and all Manowar fans.
