Some excellent art work announces 'Manowar's' first album of the nineties, and a pretty solid release it is too. Soldiering on, in usual fashion they grant us more mythical and warrior based 'Power Metal' that's occasionally self indulgent and over the top, but you won't hear us fans complaining. 'Eric Adam's' vocals are as ever, crisp and powerful while the guitaring is unwavering and cutting.

The whole album is centred around the 28 minute epic 'Achilles, Agony and Ecstasy', which is divided into eight parts. The plodding 'Prelude' sets up nicely the rapid drum and bass driven chugger 'Hector Storms the Wall', the pace is dropped right back for the gloomy 'The Death of Patroclus', here 'Adams' crystal clear vocals shine through. 'Funeral March' is an upbeat guitar driven instrumental, that is reminiscent of work by 'Queen'. The 'King Crimson' inspired 'Armor of the Gods' is basically a long-winded drum solo, unfortunately its repetitive and dull and is easily the worst part of this epic. Back on track is 'Hector's Final Hour' a typical 'Manowar' vocal heavy, slower number, that leads nicely on to the thundering 'Death Hector's Reward' a superb thrash out, with rhythm work similar to 'Accept's' 'Fast as a Shark'. Some intricate axe work brings about 'The Desecration of Hector's Body', but the sharp fret work doesn't make for an easy listen. The closing 'Glory of Achilles' is aggressive, incisive and makes for a good finish to an inspired piece. Might be considered drawn-out by some, but little can deny there's some strong cuts tucked away.

'Metal Warriors' kicks off the stand alone tracks, a characteristic 'Manowar' anthem, with sharp vocal work and flowing rhythm that are, as always present. The poor intro and outro distract from some pummelling metal, on the fast paced and gutsy 'Ride the Dragon'. Much better is the haunting barren wasteland intro to 'Spirit Horse of the Cherokee', which blends into a plodding delight, cleverly written with interesting arrangements, make this one of the top tracks. The stop-start choruses of 'Burning' make for an uneasy listen, while 'The Power of Thy Sword' is a top notch 'blood and steel' thrash out, featuring a delightful mid section wind-down. 'The Demon's Whip' follows in similar fashion a fast paced pounder, which features an over dubbed 'cracking whip', that really adds to this nasty crawler. They have saved the best for last though, the slower 'Masters of the Wind', is a beautifully written song that is sung and performed with total commitment.

Nearly 70 minutes of blood, guts and thunder, from the self proclaimed 'Kings of Metal', no self respecting 'Manowar' fan should be without a copy of this.