English actor Brian Blessed (pictured below), known for his sonorous voice and "hearty, king-sized portrayals" in Kenneth Brannagh's Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing, as well as King Lear and Oliver Stone's Alexander, has joined MANOWAR in the studio for the re-recording of their Kings Of Metal album, due out early next year.

"Recording with Brian Blessed yesterday was spectacular," says Manowar. "He is a true force of nature. A giant as a man and as an actor. The power and the might of his narration on 'The Warrior's Prayer' will blow you all away! All hail our brother Brian."

Brian Tweeted the following: “I had a fantastic time with @MANOWAR in the studio yesterday, re-recording The Warriors Prayer. DEATH TO FALSE METAL!!!!”

Manowar's Kings Of Metal album, a milestone in metal history, was first released on November 18, 1988.

Already a significant force with international success since their debut album Battle Hymns, this release and the following 1989 Kings Of Metal world tour catapulted Manowar to a new sphere. Songs like 'Heart Of Steel', 'Kings Of Metal', 'Hail And Kill', and 'Blood Of The Kings' became instant anthems and remain among the most demanded songs in concerts, celebrated not only by Manowar fans.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Kings Of Metal, Manowar are currently in the studio, recording a brand new special version of the album: Kings Of Metal 2014.

"The new rendition will honor the original as it’s inspiration, but with additional energy, fully utilizing the power of today’s technology and 25 years of experience, and it will contain new arrangements and changes that incorporate live performance elements added over the years,” said Manowar bassist Joey DeMaio. "The album will feature additional bonus material and many other surprises,” he added.