Manowar

Well known for being one of the most over the top and overblown bands in the metal world, it comes as little surprise that this new DVD offering from U.S. power metal veterans Manowar is one of the most exhaustive releases ever issued. The second instalment in their Fire and Blood series (the first was issued by Metal Blade in 2001), this two-disc DVD collection is by far superior in both quality and sound. The first half of the set contains nearly two hours of performances taken from their "European Hell on Stage" tour and features the band playing in ten different countries across the continents. Interspersed with the performances are pre-show interviews and footage with the band in that respective country. Not only do you get to see the band play "Dark Avenger" in Portugal and "Bridge of Death" in Belgium but you also get a more insider look at their tour, which really helps show just how fanatical the Manowar fan base is outside of North America. The second disc shows a full performance by the band at the "Monsters of Rock" festival in Brazil in 1998. The band performs 14 songs that span their career in front of some 30,000 rabid metal fans. It's actually quite astounding to watch and it sounds great too, as both discs were mastered in full 5.1 surround sound, which leaves the viewer feeling like they are actually at the show. It will take you a long time to sit through the entire two-disc set, as it clocks in at around five hours, but it is an absolutely jam-packed collection that might set a new standard as to what can be done. Extras: additional live performances from their European tour, interview with Metal Maniacs writer Vincent Cecolini. (SPV/Fusion III)