Kings of Metal – Manowar (1988)
Released in 1988, Kings of Metal is widely regarded as Manowar’s definitive statement of epic heavy metal. Following the more polished Fighting the World, this album perfected the band’s combination of thunderous riffs, anthemic choruses, and mythic warrior themes, cementing their reputation as one of metal’s most uncompromising acts.
With tracks ranging from battle hymns to melodic epics, Kings of Metal became the blueprint for power metal and solidified Manowar’s iconic “true metal” philosophy.
Album Credits
Band Members:
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Eric Adams – Lead Vocals
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Joey DeMaio – Bass & Keyboards
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Ross “The Boss” Friedman – Guitar
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Scott Columbus – Drums
Producer:
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Joey DeMaio
Studio:
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Studio 91, New York
Label:
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Atlantic Records
Special Notes:
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This was the first Manowar album fully produced by Joey DeMaio, emphasizing his vision of epic, bass-driven metal.
Album Tracklist
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Kings of Metal
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The Crown and the Ring
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Heart of Steel
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The Warrior’s Prayer
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Black Wind, Fire and Steel
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Sting of the Bumblebee
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Hail and Kill
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Pleasure Slave
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King of Kings
Total Length: Approx. 43 minutes
Cover Art & Design – Mini Description
The cover of Kings of Metal depicts a muscular warrior holding a massive sword, standing atop a pile of skulls, with lightning striking the horizon. The imagery conveys ultimate power, dominance, and epic heroism, reinforcing the band’s warrior-centric themes.
Compared to previous albums, the artwork is more detailed and dramatic, capturing the grandeur and theatricality that became synonymous with Manowar’s late 80s era. The metallic logo and bold visual style make it instantly recognizable among heavy metal fans.
Musical Style & Sound
Kings of Metal represents the apex of Manowar’s 80s epic metal style:
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Epic, anthem-driven compositions
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Faster tempos and aggressive riffing
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Symphonic and melodic keyboard elements
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Powerful, soaring vocals with operatic influence
The title track “Kings of Metal” serves as a rallying cry for fans of “true metal.” “Hail and Kill” became a live anthem, known for its high energy, galloping rhythms, and sing-along choruses. “The Warrior’s Prayer” showcases the band’s ability to blend orchestral elements with epic metal storytelling.
Fun Facts & Trivia
1. A Cult Classic
Kings of Metal is often cited as Manowar’s most iconic album and a defining record of epic/power metal in the 1980s.
2. Live Staple
“Hail and Kill” quickly became a signature live track, often used as the show closer in Manowar’s concerts for decades.
3. “Heart of Steel”
The ballad “Heart of Steel” was unusual for Manowar at the time, showing a more melodic and emotional side while retaining epic metal intensity.
4. Joey DeMaio’s Vision
This album was entirely produced under Joey DeMaio’s supervision, shaping the signature Manowar sound of dominating bass, huge choruses, and heroic themes.
Did You Know?
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Kings of Metal influenced European power metal bands such as Helloween and Blind Guardian.
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“Sting of the Bumblebee” is a high-speed metal adaptation of Rimsky-Korsakov’s classical piece, showcasing technical virtuosity.
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The album was released at a time when glam metal dominated the charts, but Manowar stayed true to epic heavy metal principles.
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Manowar continued their philosophy of “Metal for the True Metal Warriors” with this release, further solidifying their fan cult.
Cultural Impact & Legacy
Kings of Metal remains the definitive example of Manowar’s late-80s style, blending epic themes, technical musicianship, and arena-ready anthems. Its influence extends to power metal, symphonic metal, and the broader epic metal genre.
Decades later, songs like “Hail and Kill” and “Kings of Metal” remain staples of heavy metal festivals, demonstrating the album’s enduring popularity and the band’s commitment to unyielding, heroic metal.
Download Manowar Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Manowar - Into Glory Ride (1983)
Manowar - Hail to England (1984)
Manowar - Sign of the Hammer (1984)
Manowar - Fighting the World (1987)
Manowar - The Triumph of Steel (1992)
