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