"Sign of the Hammer," released on October 15, 1984, via 10/Virgin Records, is the fourth studio album by the iconic American heavy metal band Manowar. This powerful collection of eight tracks, spanning a total of 40 minutes, is a cornerstone of the power metal and heavy metal genres. The album features a raw, unfiltered production that captures the pure, unadulterated essence of Manowar's signature sound.
"Sign of the Hammer" marks a pivotal moment in Manowar's career, as it was the point at which the band decided to shift their focus from simply making heavy metal records to creating distinctively Manowar albums. This album is a testament to the band's commitment to their unique vision of heavy metal, featuring iconic tracks like "All Men Play on Ten," "Thor (The Powerhead)," and the title track "Sign of the Hammer."
Produced by Joey DeMaio, with mixing handled by Tony Platt, the album showcases the band's signature powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and epic song structures. Despite some production quality issues, "Sign of the Hammer" remains a beloved album among Manowar fans and a significant release in the heavy metal canon. The album's artwork, featuring the band's iconic hammer logo, has become synonymous with the band's image and legacy.
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