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| "More emphasis on 'ride' here, Ross? |
I hadn’t heard this monologue in years. Yet I could speak it aloud without error. How? It was burned into my brain when I was 15 and ready to run through a brick wall for Manowar. I had to go to war against false metal, you see.
This has something to teach us about oral culture.
Imagine dudes hearing Njal’s Saga, or the Iliad, in some smoky Icelandic 14th century feasting hall on the eve of some great real battle, where on the morn they’d be standing in the shield-wall with spear and axe.
Imagine their emotional state, their focus, as they channeled the bard’s song. They’d remember every word. And pass it down to the next generation, without error.
Warrior stuff, that Welles channels here. Oral cultures remembered epic poetry through a system of formulaic phrasing, rhythmic structure, and thematic repetition rather than rote memorization. There is a rhythm to Welles’ phrasing that makes it stick, IMO.
Manowar isn’t known for subtlety, but it was a masterstroke to hire the legendary actor and filmmaker. Read more about how that unfolded here. I love this detail from Ross the Boss/Ross Friedman’s recounting of the story. Welles stepping out of his chariot and walking in the studio was like the coming of Odin:
“Let me tell you something, this man was a big man, Orson Welles, a huge guy in latter days,” Friedman recalled. “When he got out of the limousine … on 57th Street in Manhattan by the Carnegie – y’know, that neighborhood has some hot shit over there. When he stepped out into that neighborhood, women in mink coats were throwing themselves on him. It was just like ‘Oh, Orson, oh.’ It was like Frank Sinatra in the 40s. Seriously, I saw it with my own eyes. People were in awe of this man because he was so incredible.”“He was a legendary guy, legendary maverick.”
“Defender” has likewise passed into metal legendry.
If you can’t get fired up for this song you might need to have your pulse checked by a professional. At the 1:50 mark I’m ready for battle. And ready to fight again at 4:12, after Ross’ ripping guitar solo, when Welles comes back in to echo Eric Adams’ powerhouse chorus.
If you haven’t heard it, fix that now.
Defender
Ride like the wind
Fight proud, my son
You’re the defender, God has sent
Manowar is still on my mind after the loss of Ross the Boss (how’s that for rhyme)? This picture of these two men, no longer with us at least on this material plane, moves me on this Metal Friday.
Raise a goblet to Ross and Welles and heavy metal and Manowar and oral poetry.
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| This pic can get none more epic... |
4 comments:
"Defender" actually has an interesting history. The song, including Orson Welles' narration, was originally recorded for the album Into Glory Ride, but time constraints prevented its inclusion and it was instead released as a standalone single. Later, the band decided to re-record the song for Fighting the World, but since Welles had died two years prior, his original narration was retained.
Very cool, I had heard some of this. Orson Welles should be on every metal album.
Once in a great while I will listen to Manowar in my home gym. I usually prefer tribal ritual and ambient music like Nytt Land or Bong(UK) unless I am exhausted and then it's Slam Metal.
Manowar will add 20 pounds to your bench press, no doubt.
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