I always look forward to a new studio release from 'Manowar' and 'Gods of War' is no exception. I did however have some reservations when I found out it would be a concept album, as I had visions of some dreary 70 minute epic that just recycled old material with longwinded narrative filled passages. Unfortunately upon my first listen, it seems my predictions were realised, as 'Manowar' bequest us a full-on sword and steel epic, that while well constructed is at times a pretty tedious affair. Glaringly evident is the physical lack of wholesome material, yes, there is a wealth of atmospheric narrative and orchestral arrangements but where's all the classic 'Manowar' fist-raising Metal?- there is thankfully some to be found, but it's deeply hidden amongst the plethora of pomposity.

I'm not going into detail about every track as it'll be as tedious for you to read, as for me to type. So the album gets going courtesy of two bombastic introductions the first, the pretentiously titled 'Overture To The Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors' is basically six minutes of atmospheric orchestral meanderings, while 'The Ascension' is a brooding narrative that presents the concept. The first track proper 'King of Kings' eventually gets things going and it's typical brisk paced 'Manowar'- good stuff, 'Eric Adams' is in magnificent form, but sadly even this track is undermined by a flow disrupting mid-track passage of narrative. The next full track is brought about by 'Sleipnir', a rigorous pulsating rocker that features that all important uplifting chorus that 'Manowar' just excel at. Ensuing strongly is 'Loki God Of Fire' which ebbs and flows with conviction and highlights more stunning 'Eric Adam's' vocals, while the tempo softens for the balladsy 'Blood Brothers' a decent affair but nothing we haven't heard before. Next up is the Odin trilogy, both 'Overture To Odin' and 'The Blood Of Odin' are introductions, the former an orchestral number, while the latter more narrative. Eventually we reach the highlight, 'The Sons Of Odin' a good solid, pulsating, sword and steel fist-raiser to get the blood pumping, ultimately a little recycled from previous work, but still a hearty track. More narrative ramblings ensue under the title of 'Glory Majesty Unity', before the powerful title track gets underway, a well penned and executed number, which again illustrates the vocal power of 'Eric Adams'. In turn, the inspiring 'Army Of The Dead Pt II' gives way to the mid tempo 'Odin', a nicely arranged piece that despite dragging a little at times, starts to round the concept off fittingly and again is potent in the 'Manowar' tradition. The album finally bows out with 'Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors' a decent cut but differs little to the previous track and in all honesty I was looking for something a little more special to conclude proceedings.

The bonus track included with the beautifully packaged limited edition is titled 'Die For Metal' and is a fairly predictable 'Manowar' staple, but what takes the edge off, is that it comes across as a 'Zeppelin' rip-off, thanks to a borrowed riff from 'Kashmir'.

Difficult to rate this one, on one hand there is, tucked away some classic 'Manowar', but taking the albums as a whole, there is way too much narrative / orchestral work and in all honesty they again fail to get down to the nitty gritty- 'Manowar' keep promising, but it has to be said, are now well overdue for a really good album.