MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album

Album Description:  "Sign of the Hammer" is the 1984 studio album by the American Heavy Meal band "Manowar", it was produced by Jack Richardson and Tony Platt and recording in Canada and the United Kingdom.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

This album "MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer " includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

Front Cover Photo Of MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album

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

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
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • 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
Complete Track-listing of the album "MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer "

The detailed tracklist of this record "MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer " is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. All Men Play On 10 3:54
  2. Animals 3:35
  3. Thor (The Powerhead) 5:22
  4. Mountains 7:40
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Sign Of The Hammer 4:16
  2. The Oath 4:50
  3. Thunderpick 3:33
  4. Guyana (Cult Of The Damned) 7:06

MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album
Front Cover Photo Of MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Photo Of The Back Cover MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album
Photo of album back cover MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album
Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album
Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Photo of Side One of MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album
Photo of Side One of MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Photo of Side Two of MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album
Photo of Side Two of MANOWAR - Sign Of The Hammer 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Metal Triumphs in Wax: The Ultimate MANOWAR Vinyl Discography for Fans and Collectors

MANOWAR is a legendary American heavy metal band that has been rocking stages and delighting fans since 1980 with their powerful and epic sound.

Band Description:

  MANOWAR is an American heavy metal band formed in 1980 by bassist Joey DeMaio, who had previously worked as a bass technician for Black Sabbath. The band is known for their powerful sound, epic themes, and lyrics that often focus on battle, glory, and mythology.

  Early Years:

  MANOWAR's first album, "Battle Hymns," was released in 1982 and showcased the band's signature sound, which blended heavy metal with symphonic elements. The album featured the hit song "Manowar," which would become the band's namesake.

  The band's second album, "Into Glory Ride," was released in 1983 and continued to build on their unique sound. The album featured songs like "Gates of Valhalla" and "Secret of Steel," which became fan favorites.

  Success:

  MANOWAR achieved significant success in the 1980s, releasing several successful albums including "Hail to England," "Sign of the Hammer," and "Kings of Metal." The band's popularity was fueled by their over-the-top live performances, which featured elaborate costumes, pyrotechnics, and larger-than-life stage props.

  In 1987, the band set a Guinness World Record for the loudest performance by a rock band, with a show in Hanover, Germany that registered at 129.5 decibels.

  MANOWAR continued to tour and release albums throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. The band's sound evolved over time, with later albums featuring more complex arrangements and a more symphonic sound.

  Controversies:

  MANOWAR has faced several controversies throughout their career. The band's lyrics and themes have been criticized by some as overly violent and misogynistic. In 1992, the band was banned from performing in the Netherlands after a local politician accused them of promoting violence and fascism.

  In 2009, the band was accused of lip-syncing during a performance at the Magic Circle Festival in Germany. The band denied the accusations, but the controversy led to increased scrutiny of their live performances.

  Legacy:

  Despite the controversies, MANOWAR has remained a popular and influential band in the heavy metal genre. The band's sound and themes have inspired countless other bands, and their fans remain some of the most devoted in the music industry.

  In 2019, the band announced that they would be retiring after a final world tour. The announcement was met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom were disappointed that the band would no longer be performing.

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