My name is Rui Chambel from Portugal. I am 46 years old, and my history with MANOWAR began back in 1992 or 1993. A friend of mine recorded a song from the radio called The Warrior’s Prayer. It was followed by The Blood Of The Kings, but he only recorded the first ten seconds of that second song because, in his words, “it was too heavy.”

Well, just like “Grandfather” said, I felt compelled to walk on and find the place of these sounds. The problem was, I didn’t even know the name of the band. I think it took almost a year before I finally discovered what I had been searching for. One day, at another friend’s house, I found Hell Of Steel on the shelf. I know it is not an official release, but it helped me find the band of my life.

From that day on, a couple of friends and I started listening to and collecting every album we could. I was 15 or 16 years old at the time.

In 1996, I won a contest from the Army Of Immortals. You cannot imagine what goes through the mind of a teenager when he receives a package from the USA filled with official MANOWAR merchandise. I still want to thank you for those incredible feelings.

We went to our first MANOWAR shows in 1997 and 1998 in Portugal, but my favorite was in 2011, also in Portugal. You can see me in the front row in the photo below, as always. I am easy to spot because I was wearing my white MANOWAR shirt.

In the 1990s, I traded a lot of MANOWAR information and merchandise with contacts I met through early online fan communities. Back then, I connected with many Brothers and Sisters from around the world.
Even though we lost touch over time, I will always be grateful for those friendships and shared passion. If any of them ever read this, I hope they are doing well. Back then, my nickname was JAMF.

We also attended Laurus Nobilis Festival in 2022, and the last show we saw was in Amsterdam last year. It was an unforgettable weekend with my friends.

I want to finish by sending a big hug to my friends Raul and Ricardo, who have walked this path with me and will continue to do so until the end of our days.

Back in the 1990s, I came across a text. I do not remember who wrote it or where it came from, but it says everything:
“MANOWAR, the name alone is filled with pure power. Their sound? Heavy, the heaviest it can be. When listening to MANOWAR, be prepared for the ultimate experience that will drive you to either love them or hate them. He who loves them will love them to death. Their epic, powerful sound takes the listener into a different world, creating feelings beyond description.”

Thank you, MANOWAR, for being with me through all these years. I know nothing lasts forever, but you will remain forever in our blood and in our memories, those great memories.

Forever fighting the world.
Hail & Kill

Rui Chambel

My name is Thomas. I am 43 years young and live in the beautiful city of Hamburg, Germany. MANOWAR is the most important band in my life, the greatest band ever, and this is why. 

MANOWAR makes the music I love. MANOWAR offers magic, majesty, honor, and a philosophy. It is a refuge.
I need MANOWAR. 

I was an insecure child with low self-esteem. In the 1990s, as a teenager, I saw a CD in a store: a warrior breaking free from his chains. I looked at the logo, the album title, and the song names, and I immediately knew this was something extraordinary. Epic. Majestic. Powerful. It represented the strength I wanted in my own life. 

I listened to Louder Than Hell, loud, and was completely blown away. I played it again and again, and soon I bought every MANOWAR album I could get. At that time, Louder Than Hell was my newest record. 

As I entered working life, the pressure increased. Friends disappeared after pointless conflicts. My girlfriend left. My job contract was not renewed. I felt deeply lonely and realized that I had lived with depression for a long time. I questioned everything about myself and knew I needed a new beginning. 

Then I met my wife. After some time, we started going to concerts together. One day I told her that MANOWAR makes the music I love most. She answered that she loved Warriors Of The World United. That moment meant everything to me. Since then, we attend as many MANOWAR concerts as we can, and I am happier than ever. 

Thanks to my wife, Joey, and MANOWAR, I was saved. 

There are countless MANOWAR songs that have helped me through life, including The Gods Made Heavy Metal, Return Of The Warlord, The Power, Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors, Glory Majesty Unity, Gods Of War, Sons Of Odin, Call To Arms, Hand Of Doom, Manowarriors, Hail And Kill, Today Is A Good Day To Die, Battle Hymn, Mountains, Swords In The Wind, and many more, as well as the Spoken Word tours Blood Of The Kings and Words Of Power. 

MANOWAR taught me how to develop a “don’t take nonsense” attitude when needed, something I never knew how to do before. MANOWAR became my shield wall. 

I learned to stand up for myself. I stopped giving in and started living by what felt right to me. When bullying crossed the line, I fought back with words and strength, and it worked. MANOWAR truly helped me find my voice. 

Over time, I understood the deeper meaning of Mountains: the struggles inside all of us, the importance of facing them every day, and the honor found in climbing them. MANOWAR encourages me to overcome obstacles, grow stronger, and become the best version of myself. The Faceless Warrior within us keeps us moving forward. 

Through MANOWAR, I learned the worth and honor of battle and self-acceptance. Louder Than Hell taught me a new truth: I walk in my own shoes. I can be proud of my scars, speak the truth, live meaningfully, and forgive. 

I love music that combines epic choirs, classical elements, warmth, power, and fierce metal. No one captures that balance like MANOWAR. Songs like Swords In The Wind, Defender, Gods Of War, and Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors prove how beautiful and majestic metal can be. 

Meeting Joey was mind-blowing. He welcomed us like old friends and shared wisdom that stayed with me, especially about the value of every job, no matter how small it seems. The Ultimate Fan Experience was unforgettable and deeply meaningful. 

Through Joey and MANOWAR, I learned how to believe in myself and gather courage. MANOWAR is the crown and the ring. 

Speaking with Joey at the UFE in Dortmund 2019 and during the Spoken Word Tour changed my life. When my wife and I met him, it felt like meeting a warm-hearted friend. We truly feel we have brothers in MANOWAR. 

Joey helps me prioritize, find trust in myself, and regain strength when I feel tired or insecure. His words of power help me conquer my mountain day by day. 

The concerts are overwhelming experiences. Our first shows were in 2016 and 2017. The Final Battle Tour in 2019 was unforgettable, with the Vikings on stage, the symbols, and the songs. In Birmingham on April 20th, Eric even laughed as I sang every word of The Gods Made Heavy Metal at the top of my lungs. 

At that time, I realized I could believe in something greater. MANOWAR ignited that belief. Faith has many forms, and inspired by MANOWAR, Joey, wisdom, science, and experience, I live by what feels true and meaningful. 

Moments like hearing The Fight For Freedom before Joey spoke during The Blood Of The Kings spoken word tour added even deeper meaning to that song for me. Listening to MANOWAR empowers me to fight for my own freedom. 

Meeting Joey in Hamburg was a great honor. I thanked him and told him how MANOWAR makes my life better, and seeing that my gratitude moved him is something I will always cherish. 

The interactions during the shows create lasting bonds. Eric recognizing us, Joey winking, and E.V. and Anders sharing smiles all meant a lot to us. One of the greatest moments was in Munich when Joey handed my wife a bass string from the stage. These moments mean everything to us. 

We followed MANOWAR across Germany, Norway, and England, and cherish memories from Dortmund, Munich, Bergen, and Birmingham. Seeing Joey, Eric, and the band smile back at us gives strength beyond words. 

In recent years, we also enjoyed the Fan Conventions and tours like Crushing The Enemies Of Metal and The Blood Of Our Enemies. The Sign Of The Hammer show in Kiel in February 2025 was phenomenal and powerful enough to carry me through very difficult times. 

MANOWAR helps me conquer challenges every day. I listen to MANOWAR daily. 

My wife and I are beyond excited for future tours and musical plans. MANOWAR’s music fuels the warrior within us, the one who lives for truth. 

Your songwriting, sound, lyrics, and inspiration make you the greatest band in the world. 

All power, love, health, and glory to you and your families.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you. 

HAIL GODS OF WAR!
HAIL MANOWAR! 

-Thomas