Manowar Taps Brian Blessed For "Kings Of Metal MMXIV" Re-Recording

Manowar (which was covered in today's Sunday Old School) has joined forces with British actor, author, and adventurer Brian Blessed for the spoken narration on "The Warrior’s Prayer" to appear on the upcoming re-recorded album "Kings Of Metal MMXIV."

"The Warrior’s Prayer" features a spoken narration that depicts a grandfather telling his grandson an epic fantasy story from his childhood. Manowar's Joey DeMaio comments:

"Brian is the perfect fit! Not only because he is a gifted screen and theater actor and has a majestic, thunderous voice. But also because he truly embodies the values of Manowar and heavy metal: He has an adventurous spirit and dares to do what he has set his mind on, no matter what. He has climbed the Mount Everest and has taken a trek to the North Pole! What else do I have to say? He may not have known it until he met us, but he is a true brother of metal!"

Brian Blessed has left lasting impressions in the cult movie "Flash Gordon," in Kenneth Branagh’s "Henry V" and in Kevin Costner’s "Robin Hood – Prince Of Thieves," among others.

"For me, the whole experience was completely miraculous and life changing. What a privilege to be part of such a divine, great team," said Brian Blessed after the recordings.

"Brian was spectacular! He didn’t just narrate the story. He performed it. He lived it! It was a magnificent spectacle that will bring the story of “The Warrior’s Prayer” to life in the listener’s mind," further commented Joey DeMaio.

For the recordings, Manowar returned to Birmingham, England, where 25 years ago the band recorded a 100 voice male choir for "The Crown And The Ring," another track featured on the "Kings Of Metal" album and to this day the signature ending of every Manowar show.