MANOWAR Sign Of The Hammer Heavy Metal Hard Rock Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information #vinylrecords

Collector's notes ( detailed background information on the persons working on this album)

Manowar, an American heavy metal band, released their fourth studio album "Sign of the Hammer" in 1984. The album features eight tracks, including some of the band's most popular songs, such as "All Men Play on Ten" and "Thor (The Powerhead)."

"Sign of the Hammer" is a classic heavy metal album, characterized by its aggressive guitar riffs, thundering bass lines, and powerful drumming. The album's sound is anchored by the band's trademark blend of epic, symphonic arrangements and gritty, hard-driving rhythms. The guitars, played by Ross the Boss and Joey DeMaio, are especially prominent on the album, with their crushing riffs and lightning-fast solos.

The album's opening track, "All Men Play on Ten," sets the tone for the rest of the album with its anthemic chorus and driving guitar riff. Other standout tracks on the album include "Thor (The Powerhead)," with its thunderous drumming and soaring guitar leads, and "Mountains," a mid-tempo rocker with a catchy chorus and a memorable guitar solo.

Like most of Manowar's music, the lyrics on "Sign of the Hammer" are heavily influenced by myth and legend. The band's fascination with Viking and Norse mythology is evident on several tracks, including "Thor (The Powerhead)" and "Mountains," which both feature references to Nordic gods and heroes.

Other tracks on the album explore themes of strength, power, and the battle between good and evil. The title track, "Sign of the Hammer," is a stirring call to arms for those who seek to live life on their own terms, while "The Oath" is a declaration of loyalty and brotherhood.

"Sign of the Hammer" is a significant album in the history of heavy metal, both for its musical and lyrical achievements. The album's combination of epic, symphonic arrangements and gritty, hard-driving rhythms helped define the sound of the genre and inspired countless imitators. Additionally, the album's themes of strength, power, and heroism struck a chord with many heavy metal fans, who saw themselves as warriors fighting against the forces of conformity and oppression.

Joey DeMaio and Eric Adams both performed in a band called "Looks" before they started the Manowar band in 1980.

Rian Hughes is British graphic designer, illustrator and artist

Ross The Boss (real name: Ross Friedman) has been playing in the bands: "Shakin' Street" and "The Dictators" before founding Manowar in 1980.

Scott Columbus has always been the drummer of Manowar from 1983 until 2008 with a three-year break in 1991

Simon Fowler is a British photographer mainly known for photographing "Iron Maiden".

Simon Fowler is a British photographer mainly known for photographing "Iron Maiden". For the album "Piece of Mind" he was called: Simon "Bullseye" Fowler.

Album Fact Sheet: MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal / Hard Rock

Album Production Information:

The album: "MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer " was produced by: Jack Richardson, Tony Platt

Jack Richardson is a Canadian Music producer, responsible for producing a couple of hundres albums. Some of the bands he has worked are "The Guess Who", "Alice Cooper", "Manowar", etc...

Mixed by: Tony Platt

Mastered by: Arun Chakraverty

Arun Chakraverty starting his engineering job in 1974 he became a very experienced sound and mastering engineer, responsible for hundreds (almost thousand) records. In 1981 he bought "The Master Room" and was director until 2001. Having worked on many different genres, Heavy Metal records were only a couple: "Black Sabbath - Mob Rules" and "Manowar - Sign of the Hammer".

Mastered at: Master Room

Album cover design: Rian Hughes

Album cover photography: Simon Fowler

Simon Fowler is a British photographer mainly known for photographing "Iron Maiden". For the album "Piece of Mind" he was called: Simon "Bullseye" Fowler.

Tony Platt is a distinguished British freelance music engineer and producer who has left an indelible mark on the music industry through his prolific work with renowned British bands, most notably Iron Maiden. His illustrious career spans several decades, and his expertise in music production has contributed significantly to the success of numerous artists.

Platt's involvement with Iron Maiden is particularly noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the band during critical periods of their career. Iron Maiden, a pioneering heavy metal band, achieved international acclaim for their distinctive sound and energetic performances. Platt's collaboration with them attests to his proficiency in capturing the raw power and intricacies of their music.

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Beyond his work with British acts, Tony Platt also collaborated with the French band Trust, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles and cultural contexts. Trust, known for their dynamic blend of hard rock and heavy metal, found in Platt a skilled professional capable of translating their artistic vision into a polished and impactful sonic experience.

Platt's career unfolded during a transformative period in the music industry, marked by advancements in recording technology and the emergence of new genres. The 1980s, in particular, witnessed the rise of heavy metal as a dominant force in the global music scene, and Platt's work with Iron Maiden and Trust reflects the vibrancy and diversity of this era.

In terms of production, Tony Platt is recognized for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible sound quality. His approach involves a combination of technical precision and artistic sensibility, creating a synergy that elevates the overall listening experience for audiences.

The collaborative nature of Platt's work is emblematic of the interconnectedness of the European music scene during his active years. His contributions to both British and French bands demonstrate the transcendent power of music to bridge cultural and linguistic divides.

Record Label & Catalognr:

10 Records – 206 639, 10 Records – 206 639-620

Record Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1984 Made in Germany for European distribution

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer

Eric Adams - Vocals
Eric Adams (real name: Louis Marullo), is lead vocalist of the American Heavy Metal band "Manowar" since 1981. Before joining Manowar he has sung in bands like: "Bible Black", "Harlequin", "Kids" and looks. - Eric Adams and Joey DeMaio both performed in a band called "Looks" before they started the Manowar band in 1980.
Ross The Boss - Guitars, Keyboards
Joey DeMaio - Bass
Scott Columbus - Drums