Hail And Kill
Manowar
The Battle Cry of Manowar: A Call to Arms in 'Hail And Kill'
Manowar's 'Hail And Kill' is a powerful anthem that embodies the spirit of battle and conquest. The song opens with a call to arms, summoning brothers from the 'valley of the kings' to join a dark and thunderous march. This imagery evokes a sense of ancient warfare and the honor-bound duty of warriors. The lyrics are steeped in themes of loyalty, strength, and the inevitability of death, as the narrator declares his readiness to face his fate with unwavering resolve.
The song's chorus, 'Hail, hail, hail and kill,' serves as a rallying cry, emphasizing the themes of power and dominion. The repeated invocation of 'hail and kill' suggests a divine right to conquer and destroy, a concept that is further reinforced by the lines 'Power and dominion are taken by the will / By divine right hail and kill.' This notion of divine right and the brutal imagery of battle reflect the band's signature style, which often draws on mythological and historical themes to create a larger-than-life narrative.
The graphic and violent imagery in the latter part of the song, with lines like 'Rip their flesh / Burn their hearts / Stab them in the eyes,' underscores the brutal reality of war and the merciless nature of the warriors' mission. This unflinching portrayal of violence serves to highlight the intensity and ferocity of the band's message. Manowar's music, known for its epic and grandiose style, often celebrates the warrior ethos, and 'Hail And Kill' is a quintessential example of this, blending powerful lyrics with a driving, heavy metal sound to create an unforgettable anthem of battle and conquest.