Into Glory Ride – Manowar (1983)
Released in 1983, Into Glory Ride marked a dramatic evolution for Manowar. Heavier, darker, and far more epic than their debut Battle Hymns, this second studio album helped define what would later be known as epic heavy metal.
Where the debut was raw and energetic, Into Glory Ride introduced a more atmospheric, doom-laden sound filled with mythological themes, slow-burning intensity, and battlefield grandeur. It remains one of the most important albums in Manowar’s early catalog.
Album Credits
Band Members:
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Eric Adams – Lead Vocals
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Joey DeMaio – Bass
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Ross “The Boss” Friedman – Guitar
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Scott Columbus – Drums
Producer:
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Manowar
Studio:
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Media Sound Studios, New York City
Label:
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Megaforce Records (US)
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Music for Nations (Europe)
Album Tracklist
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Warlord
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Secret of Steel
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Gloves of Metal
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Gates of Valhalla
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Hatred
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Revelation (Death’s Angel)
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March for Revenge (By the Soldiers of Death)
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Into Glory Ride
Total Length: Approx. 45 minutes
Cover Art & Design – Mini Description
The cover artwork of Into Glory Ride continues Manowar’s barbarian-warrior imagery but with a darker, more shadowed atmosphere. The band members appear partially cloaked in darkness, their muscular physiques highlighted against a black background.
The minimalistic yet powerful composition emphasizes strength, steel, and dominance. Compared to Battle Hymns, this cover feels less comic-book fantasy and more imposing and serious — visually reflecting the album’s heavier, doom-inspired sound.
Musical Direction & Sound Evolution
Into Glory Ride significantly expanded Manowar’s sonic identity:
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Slower, heavier riffing
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Proto-doom metal atmosphere
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Extended epic song structures
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More dramatic vocal delivery
Eric Adams’ operatic vocals reach new emotional heights, particularly on “Gates of Valhalla.” Joey DeMaio’s bass becomes more dominant and thunderous, while Scott Columbus’ powerful drumming adds a heavier rhythmic backbone.
The title track, “Into Glory Ride,” stands as one of the band’s earliest long-form epics, blending battle chants with crushing mid-tempo heaviness.
Fun Facts & Trivia
1. First Album with Scott Columbus
This was the first Manowar album to feature drummer Scott Columbus, whose powerful and deliberate style became central to the band’s signature sound.
2. A Shift Toward Epic Metal
While Battle Hymns hinted at epic storytelling, Into Glory Ride fully embraced Viking imagery, mythology, and warrior philosophy — influencing the later European power metal scene.
3. Raw Production
The album is known for its murky and heavy production. Some fans consider it imperfect, but others argue that the raw mix adds to its underground authenticity.
4. “Gloves of Metal” as a Fan Favorite
“Gloves of Metal” became one of Manowar’s early live staples and remains a cult classic among longtime fans.
Did You Know?
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Joey DeMaio previously worked as a bass tech for Black Sabbath before forming Manowar.
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“Gates of Valhalla” is often cited as one of Eric Adams’ most demanding vocal performances.
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The album was released during the same period that bands like Metallica and Slayer were emerging — but Manowar chose a completely different, epic path instead of thrash.
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The album helped solidify the band’s “true metal” identity and anti-commercial stance.
Cultural Impact & Legacy
Though not a mainstream commercial success, Into Glory Ride became a cornerstone of epic heavy metal. Its darker tone and mythological themes influenced later power metal and Viking metal bands across Europe.
The album represents the moment Manowar fully committed to their warrior philosophy — loud, proud, and uncompromising. Over four decades later, it remains a defining chapter in the band’s legacy.
Download Manowar Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Manowar - Hail to England (1984)
Manowar - Sign of the Hammer (1984)
Manowar - Fighting the World (1987)
Manowar - Kings of Metal (1988)
Manowar - The Triumph of Steel (1992)
