The second live album in quick succession for 'Manowar' and the general consensus is, this is to make up for the disappointing 'Hell on Wheels Live'. I give them plenty of credit for not repeating any tracks from the predecessor, but a live album without the majority of your most recognised songs, is always going to be an uphill struggle. Fortunately the content is still fairly strong and graced with a superior production, the actual recordings are extremely crisp and truly makes me wonder if more than a little work was done in the studio, especially as most of the tracks are taken from different venues.

After a tremendous introduction from the crowd, 'Manowar' let rip with the anthemic headbanger 'Metal Daze', this fine rendition fails do disappoint, as they execute it flawlessly with plenty of screeching vocals from 'Eric Adams'. The tempo falls for the heavy plodding of 'Dark Avenger', personally I find this track a little long winded, but the original 'Orson Wells' narration adds plenty of atmosphere and depth, while the later pace pick-up is enjoyable. The epic 'March for Revenge' follows and as with 'Dark Avenger' a tad drawn-out for the less than veteran 'Manowar' fan, but this doesn't take away the fact just how superbly performed this track is. Following in quick succession is the second epic 'Hatred', unfortunately the "handwriting" is too close to the previous track and by now it starts to get a little repetitive, overlooking this, 'Eric Adam's' vocals are stunning throughout. 'Gates of Valhalla' brings about the third track over 7 minutes in a row, fortunately this is vastly different to the last two, as the perfectly performed subtle intro gives way to the magnificent pulsating gallop where 'Joey DeMaio' and 'Scott Columbus' positively shine. Guess what, yes another 9 minute epic this time byway of 'Bridge of Death', a powerful plodder, that is needlessly spoilt by the embarrassing demonic voiceovers. At last some variation and surprisingly brought about by a 'Joey DeMaio' bass solo entitled 'William's Tale', mostly taken from the classical piece 'William Tell Overture', is an interesting piece to say the least. Thankfully the first disc closes with possibly the finest song present 'Guyana (Cult of the Damned)', after a refined introduction, we are graced with a sublime pulsating structure, the audience participation is strong throughout as are 'Eric Adam's' vocals, who I rate as possibly one of the best live vocalists around.

Disc II opens with the 'Warrior's Prayer' a four and a half minute pride and glory narrative, which adds great atmosphere- the Spanish crowd really get into this. Following in fine form is a fist raising rendition of 'Blood of the Kings', which is brimming with energy and power while 'Eric Adams' is on stunning form. The instrumental 'Sting of the Bumblebee' ensues and while there's some nice twists and turns, at 6 minutes it soon begins to drag. Back on track is a heartfelt rendition of the excellent 'Heart of Steel', while 'Master of the Wind', a personal favourite of mine, is magnificently executed. It's back to the rockers again with the uncompromising ripper 'Outlaw', the intro on this version sounds like it could be straight off 'Riot's' 'Thundersteel', the rest of the track also fails to disappoint. Following in a similar vein is 'The Power' a simplistic yet blistering number, full of powerful rhythm work, intricate guitaring and as usual 'Adam's' shredding vocals. 'The Crown and the Ring' closes in the manner you expect from 'Manowar', another homage to true Metal, complete with powerful, earnest lead and backing vocals.

As this is a double album, I feel there could have been a few more tracks present, but as I said earlier they have done well not to recycle any songs from 'Hell on Wheels Live'. Disc 1 in my opinion will please more harden 'Manowar' fans, especially with all the epics featured, I usually prefer 'Manowar's' shorter, simpler tracks, but 'Hell on Stage Live' has plenty for all fans.