Manowar Re-Recording of ‘Sign Of The Hammer’ Delayed, Band Pursues “Crushing” Sound

Heavy metal band Manowar is delaying the release of its re-recorded version of the 1984 album “Sign Of The Hammer” after multiple attempts to achieve the desired sound quality, bassist Joey DeMaio announced today.

DeMaio explained on his official website that the band recorded and re-recorded the album multiple times, but were unsatisfied with the results. “The sound wasn’t there yet. It wasn’t the crushing, earth-shaking power we demand from ourselves — and that you deserve,” he stated. The band paused the project to focus on their recent tour, including an exclusive U.S. concert in Brooklyn last November, marking their first U.S. performance in a decade.

The re-recording project aims to improve the sonic quality of the original album while preserving the elements fans love, according to DeMaio’s comments to Radiocast BG last December. He likened the new version to having “two shirts…different buttons, but similar style,” adding, “I think people are going to enjoy it.” Manowar has also been exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on music creation, with DeMaio suggesting it could be a useful tool for those without traditional musical training. The band’s last full-length album was released in 2012, and fans have eagerly awaited new material.

DeMaio assured fans that both the re-recorded album and new music are still planned for release, promising a final product that is “meaner, heavier, and more powerful than anything we’ve done before.” You can find more information about the band and their history on their official website. The band expects to release the re-recording and new music when they are fully satisfied with the results.