On October 15, 2023, Manowar announced they’d be re-recording their 1984 album Sign Of The Hammer for release sometime in 2024. It’s almost November 2025 now and if you haven’t noticed, Manowar has not released Sign Of The Hammer: Whatever Year Edition. So what the hell is going on?
According to Manowar bassist Joey DeMaio on his website, they’ve already re-recorded and promptly thrown out Sign Of The Hammer twice now.
“Manowarriors, We just celebrated the anniversary of Sign Of The Hammer — an album that’s meant the world to us and to you for over 40 years. Now let me give you an update on the re-recording.
“We announced this project a while back, and many of you have been asking: Where is it? Fair question. You deserve an honest answer, so here it is: Re-recording a beloved album is a massive responsibility for us. These songs are part of your lives. They’re hymns that have carried you through your toughest moments. We don’t take that lightly.
“So here’s what happened: We recorded everything. We listened. And we weren’t satisfied. The sound wasn’t there yet. It wasn’t the crushing, earth-shaking power we demand from ourselves — and that you deserve. So what did we do? We took apart our studios, tried new equipment configurations. We recorded again. But still not quite ‘it’. And then it was time to prep for tour and hit the road.
“Could we have rushed it out? Sure. But that’s not who we are. We’ve never compromised, and we’re not starting now. Rest assured: Sign Of The Hammer re-recorded will be released. And new music, too. And when it drops, it’s going to sound meaner, heavier, and more powerful than anything we’ve done before. Thank you for your patience and loyalty. Stay tuned!”
Personally, I think if you re-record an entire classic album twice and you’re not happy with the result, it might be time to move on. Doubly so considering the Manowar re-recordings – Battle Hymns MMXI in 2010 and Kings of Metal MMXIV in 2014 – didn’t exactly go over well. But whatever makes y’all happy, I guess.
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