Manowar has taken on a task shrouded in glory and blood: the mission of carrying the banner of "true heavy metal" as a guiding principle and a way of life, a purpose to be honored in sickness and in health, through hardships, but especially through the benefits of this position which, ultimately, is one of power. About to return to Brazil , the band spoke with Wikimetal about their loyal fans, the enemies of metal, their new album, and their expectations for the shows here.
With classics like "Kings of Metal" and "Fighting The World" proving their fighting spirit, Manowar is currently celebrating their legacy and looking to the future. Since 2022, the band has been working on a new studio album, the highly anticipated successor to The Lord Of Steel (2012). The band promises a breathtaking album, with classic elements and new surprises.
But it is with nostalgia for the glory days of metal that the American band prepares to land on Brazilian soil for the first time since 2015, when they performed at Monsters of Rock . Manowar's only show in Brazil in 2023 will take place in São Paulo, on September 23rd, at Espaço Unimed. The performance is part of the Crushing The Enemies Of Metal Anniversary Tour 2023 in South America , which also includes dates in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia and celebrates the band's 40-year career.
See the full interview between Wikimetal and Manowar below.
Wikimetal: After 40 years on the road, how difficult was it to choose the perfect setlist to honor the band's career?
Manowar: This process is always challenging, yes, but also deeply rewarding. We listen to our fans, reflecting on the anthems that have resonated most with them over the years. Our goal is always to ignite the fire in the hearts of our Manowarriors, to empower and unite them!
WM: It's been quite a while since your last show in Brazil, in 2015. What memories do you have of touring here?
MW: We have so many incredible memories that it would take hours to list them all! Every time [we go to Brazil], from the moment we arrive, there's an electrifying excitement in the air. It's as if the earth itself trembles in anticipation of the epic battle for true metal. Our visit in 2015 is just one example. The fervor, the deafening roars of the crowd, the sea of leather, steel, and Brazilian flags waving alongside the Manowar flags… It's a sight and feeling like no other.
WM: Manowar fans are loyal and passionate. How does the band deal with its own ambitions and the expectations of its audience?
MW: There's no doubt that our fans are the most loyal and passionate you'll find in the metal world. Their energy has fueled our souls for over four decades. They are a tribe of brothers and sisters who mean the world to us! Our fans have a deep connection with our music and with each other. Their stories, their battles, their triumphs – our music has been the soundtrack to countless moments in their lives. We carry this weight, this responsibility, with pride and honor.
WM: If you could summarize the attributes of a true metal warrior, what would they be and why?
MW: Being a Manowarrior isn't defined solely by musical taste, but by a code, a way of life. A true Manowarrior embodies loyalty, passion, strength—not just physical, but emotional—standing firm in the face of life's challenges while remaining authentic in a world of pretension. And, of course, the courage to proudly represent true heavy metal in a world that often neither understands nor appreciates it.
WM: How do you balance maintaining Manowar's musical identity over the years while simultaneously evolving as artists? How do you see the evolution of the band's sound?
MW: Balancing our musical signature with our artistic growth is something I believe we've mastered over the decades. It's not about making compromises, it's about respecting our origins while embracing new horizons. Over the years, we've never been afraid to explore new territories, drawing inspiration from mythologies, global sounds, and even orchestral elements. Each album, while distinct, carries the essence of Manowar, whether it's the raw intensity of "Battle Hymns" or the epic nature of "Gods of War".
WM: This new tour is called Crushing The Enemies Of Metal . Today, who or what are the enemies of metal for you?
MW: The “enemies” aren’t always people or entities, but often attitudes and trends. Trends that commercialize or don’t understand the essence of metal. In the current era, we see a world increasingly driven by commercial interests, where music is often manufactured for quick consumption. Algorithms and conglomerates ignore the genre and promote generic music that caters to everyone – these are the enemies of metal today.
WM: Speaking of future plans, what can you tell us about the new album you're working on?
MW: We're diving deep into our roots, blending the classic Manowar sound with new elements inspired by our experiences on the road and interactions with our fans. The new music will rip, burn, and leave you breathless… and wanting more!
WM: Manowar is often referred to as one of the “loudest” bands in the world. How did you develop this powerful sound, and what technical challenges did you face in achieving this level of sonic intensity?
MW: That's correct – we've broken the world record multiple times. From the beginning, Manowar was never about fitting in, about blending in. We set out to be a force of nature in the metal world, standing tall and proud – and yes, tall! Achieving that sonic power wasn't just a matter of turning up the volume. It was a process of understanding the potential of each instrument, mastering the nuances of sound engineering, and ensuring that our desire for sheer power didn't sacrifice clarity. In the early days, finding engineers who could understand our vision was a challenge. Traditional equipment often wasn't up to our output, resulting in distortion. We always embraced the challenges, created our own custom equipment, developed our sound… And as you can see, our fans love it.
WM: The album Sign of the Hammer is one of the band's most important milestones and features timeless anthems. What was the writing and recording process like for this iconic album?
MW: The writing process was intense and organic at the same time. We were riding the momentum from our previous albums and had this burning desire to deliver something even more powerful. The tracks on this album were reflections of our experiences, our beliefs, our love for mythology, and the immortal spirit of heavy metal. Songs like “All Men Play on 10” embodied our approach to our music – fast-paced, uncompromising.
WM: Throughout Manowar's career, you've had the opportunity to play in many different countries and cultures. Is there a particular tour or concert experience that was especially memorable for you?
MW: There have been so many significant milestones that it would be unfair to highlight just one. Whether playing at huge festivals or in a small club, like we did in Svalbard, near the Arctic Circle – every show is unforgettable for us, because every show has a special energy, based on the crowd that came to see us and celebrate with us.
WM: What message would you like to convey to Manowar fans around the world, both those who have followed them from the beginning and new fans who are discovering the band?
MW: To all Manowarriors: Remember – wherever you are, whatever challenge you face – you have a heart of steel beating within you and you have brothers and sisters around the world who stand united with you. Together, we are unstoppable! Hail and Kill and see you on the road!
Agenda: Larissa Catharine Oliveira and Daniel Dystyler
Text: Larissa Catharine Oliveira
READ ALSO: Tarja Interview: a collection of hits, shows in Brazil, and the importance of following your dreams