MANOWAR To Release Live Album From 'The Lord Of Steel' World Tour

MANOWAR recently completed the second leg of "The Lord Of Steel World Tour" with shows in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

Leg 2 of the trek continued with a power-filled set, including songs from the brand new studio album, "The Lord Of Steel", and many other classic MANOWAR hymns.

"The Lord Of Steel" is now available in stores and on iTunes and was first celebrated live during Leg 1 of "The Lord Of Steel World Tour" in Spain, France, Holland, Germany, Czech Republic and Russia.

Commented MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio: "At this very moment, we are all in the studio, listening back to each and every show from 'The Lord Of Steel Tour 2012/2013'.

"The energy we got from the audience during the tour was just killer! This power coming from you guys really translated into great performances from the band. We're thrilled that this is all immortalized in these recordings!

"So we just wanted to take a break here and thank the true army of immortals who came in masses to face 'The Lord Of Steel' live! Thank you!

"More news about 'The Lord Of Steel' live album will come soon. Many thanks to all of you, the loudest and greatest fans in the world."

Asked why MANOWAR chose to release "The Lord Of Steel" in digital format several months before the retail release, DeMaio told Rockpages.gr: "MANOWAR have always worked with the latest technology. Thankfully, our fans have more options than ever to choose how they get their music and when.

"We are proud to be able to give our fans multiple choices: We have released a limited edition of the album in collaboration with Metal Hammer U.K., with its own artwork and special mixes as a first look at what is to come. For those who prefer digital content and wish this limited version, they have the option of getting it as download album.

"The worldwide retail release [is] available with different versions of the songs and a totally different mix and master as CD and limited vinyl, both with spectacular new art by Ken Kelly. And, of course, this version [is] available as digital album as well. The fans can decide which options and configurations they prefer."

Regarding the difference between MANOWAR's previous studio album, "Gods Of War", and "The Lord Of Steel", DeMaio said: "All of our albums are different from one another, unlike other groups who constantly try to keep to a formula.

"After the massive production of 'Gods Of War', our vision this time was a stripped down, brutally raw, unique sound; 'lean and mean,’ so to speak.

"We had started working on material prior Donnie [Hamzik, drums] return to the band.

"MANOWAR are a unit. Every band member brings in a unique contribution, so it was only logical for us to start over and include Donnie from the beginning of the creative process.

"Some people will say its a shame to abandon something you have invested a lot of time and energy in, but that's the way we work. It has to feel right for all of us."

(Thanks: NJthrasher)