For those wanting a little more detail, this is Manowar's 10th studio album. Gods Of War is a concept album based on Odin, father of the Norse gods. It's the first in a proposed series of Manowar concept albums based on different war gods. The storyline of this album follows the exploits of The Immortal Warrior, who is on a quest to earn his rightful place in Valhalla.
The album is vintage Manowar: lengthy interludes, dramatic spoken word narration, and songs that are sometimes cheesy but still damn catchy. From epic metal anthems to over the top ballads to orchestral instrumentals, Gods Of War has a compelling musical and lyrical arc. It stalls in spots and becomes somewhat self-indulgent at times (the 9 minute opening interlude is a bit much), but in the end manages to satisfy.
