With this double DVD release Manowar pretty much deliver what to expect from a heavy metal band of their status. The first DVD follows the warriors on their tour all around the world, featuring post and pre gig rituals, as well as interviews and more mature content (yeah tits, and lots of them). This DVD is comparable to previous SPV releases like the Kreator and Saxon DVDs. My biggest problem with these tour diary type of DVDs is the lack of full song material. Rarely do we get to hear a song to its conclusion, and it all looks somehow slightly fragmented; great stuff for the fans who want to know more about the band, but not too good if you just want to see and listen to the band play live.

Luckily, the second DVD features the full recording of Manowar on Rock am Ring in Germany in 2002. A complete 1 hour show and this is in my opinion by far the best part of the DVD. These guys still know how to play heavy metal after all these years and even their hilarious ‘we’re the kings of metal’ still sounds convincing. Add to that the whole Manowar video collection (as well as several never seen before ‘making of’ documentaries of said videos), from the first “Gloves Of Metal” to the newest “I Believe” and I can safely say the second DVD is a whole lot more interesting than the first.

One thing I find however very odd, however is the sound quality of this release. Manowar are known for their outrageously loud concerts, however this DVD is awfully soft. The sound is good; it just is soft compared to other releases I’ve heard. A bit of a contradiction I might say. On the plus side however, this DVD hasn’t been edited to death like the Kreator and Saxon ones resulting in a sound that`s a lot more genuine.

Hell On Earth is a good live DVD that offers exactly what you would expect from a band like Manowar. Although I would have liked to see a bit more in depth interviews, backstage recordings and live songs, and a bit less goofing around. I’m certain however that this DVD will satisfy the diehard fans of the band. For Dutch fans: Hell On Earth features one complete song from Dynamo Open Air in 1999 as well as some short campsite footage with some crazy maniacal fans and no I wasn’t one of them.