As of late it seems like the average time it takes for Manowar to make a new studio album is four years. Whether or not this is intentional is anyone's guess. Maybe the band just wants to be sure that they are satisfied enough with the songs they are writing before releasing them to the fans.

Some of the material on Manowar's 2002 release "Warriors of the World" marked the beginning of a change in musical direction of sorts. They started to incorporate some symphonic influences. Well, if this new EP is any indication of what their next full length album is to sound like, then get ready!

Manowar's "Demons, Dragons and Warriors World Tour" in Europe with Rhapsody seems to have had some type of an influence on Manowar's musical direction. I've always considered Manowar's music to be epic in a lot of ways; big anthems, fighting songs that work great in the live setting, etc. The symphonic aspect takes things to another level.

Earlier in the year, guitarist Karl Logan suffered an arm injury in a motorcycle accident. One would have thought that this would have been a setback for the band in getting the new album out. However, Logan has fully recovered and the band will redouble their efforts in finishing the currently titled "Gods of War".

"The Sons of Odin" is a five song EP. Once again, the cover art is provided by legendary fantasy artist Ken Kelly. The EP includes live versions of "The Accession" and "King of Kings", which were both recorded at Earthshaker Fest 2005. The studio versions of these two tracks have been previously available for download on Manowar's website in MP3 format for $1.25 each or $2.25 for both songs. "The Accession", aside from some spoken dialogue, is a symphonic instrumental that is a prelude to "King of Kings", which is a fast up tempo track similar to "Outlaw" from "Louder Than Hell". It breaks into a slow part like the formula used on a track such as "Battle Hymns", only to return to the tempo it started at. It's a very majestic sounding track.

"Odin" is just a symphonic instrumental that preludes "Gods of War". This piece sounds like it could have been used in a movie like "The Lord of the Rings". Synth strings are used on this track. It is somewhat slow and ominous. Brass sounds, as well as pipe organs come in as the song builds and the dynamics get louder.

"Gods of War" has a Nordic, Viking feel to it. It sounds like something that bands like DoomSword or Bathory would have written. Once again, lots of symphonic sounds are used, giving the song a grand, epic texture.

The track "Sons of Odin" might as well be called "Call To Arms - Part II" as it has the same kind of guitar riff and drum beat as that song, which was one "Warriors of the World". This is probably the best track on the EP. It is has an anthem like feel to it. This track also has some spoken dialogue on it and yes, more symphonic pieces!

I hope the new album is a little more consistent than "Warriors of the World". So far, the production seems much better. The drums are heavier and more bottom end and the guitar is a bit louder in the mix. Eric Adams vocals still kill, though he is sounding more gruff. He seems to strain a little on some parts.

There is also another version of "The Sons of Odin" ep available known as the "Immortal Package version. It's a two disc set that includes the five song ep (reviewed above) as well as a bonus DVD which contains a Fan Convention documentary, band rehearsal of "Heart of Steel" in Czech Republic with full orchestra and choir, DVD Trailer for "Live at Earthshaker Fest 2005", 2 DVD menus (1 motion, 1 static), a slide show of exclusive Manowar live shots and photos submitted by fans and 5.1 mixes of all the songs on the EP.

Pick your poison. Manowar is prepared for battle! You should be too!