Metal School - Manilla Road: America's Greatest Unknown Metal Band?
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- Manilla Road is one of the most influential yet overlooked American heavy metal bands. Even with hard-hitting tracks like Flaming Metal Systems and iconic albums like Crystal Logic, you almost never hear about them. So kick back with some headphones and let's dig into one of my all-time favorite metal bands and epic metal pioneers, Manilla Road.
Patreon: / metalschool136
Interviews:
69 Faces of Rock (2018): • Manilla Road's 40th An...
Rockway.gr interview (2018): • MANILLA ROAD Chronolog...
Neudi's Channel interview (2008): • MANILLA ROAD - Feature...
Road of Kings: West Coast Tour Doc (2015): • Manilla Road Powermad ...
Performances:
Wichita, KS (1988): • Manilla Road - Live in...
Wichita, KS (Circus Maximus - 1991): • Preview: MANILLA ROAD ...
Baltimore, MD (Atlantis Rising - 2000): • Manilla Road Powermad ...
Wichita, KS (Blood Eagle - 2009):
Athens, Greece (Brethren of the Hammer - 2012): • Manilla Road - Brethre...
HOA Fest (In the Wake - 2018): • Manilla Road - In The ...
#ManillaRoad #MetalSchool #MarkShelton #80smetal #epicmetal #heavymetal #crystallogic #openthegates #thedeluge #flamingmetalsystems #AmericanMetal #outoftheabyss #thecourtsofchaos #metaldocumentary #metalhistory #listentothis #scottpark #randyfoxe #rickfisher #hellwell #hammerofthewitches #witchesbrew #guitarsolo #conanthebarbarian #edgarallanpoe #powerthrash #Necopolis
"Necropolis" was THE song that got me into Manilla Road, their somewhat "primitive heavy metal" sound made them stand out from others 80s era metal bands.
They're just so good to listen.
Same here❤
one of the most underated bands in history of heavy metal R.I.P. Mark Shelton
Manilla Road, Warlord and Omen - My trinity of Epic Metal.
Hail from Poland!
Growing up as a huge D&D nerd I can remember playing this album while my young imagination conjured up visions of my barbarian character slaying the dragon and saving the maiden.
I'm so glad that Manilla Road is finally noticed.
It was back in 1996-97, I was 14 when I bought an issue of metal hammer in Greece and had a compilation cd of them. Been hooked and fascinated since then. Very distinctive sound and I loved it.
The screaming on Return of the Old Ones at the end of the fast section was definitely impressive.
Mark was on oral steroids at this time due to pneumonia or something he had come down with. His voice was literally superhuman. Unfortunately his vocal chords couldn't take the strain and they eventually blew out. That's why Mark's voice sounds the way it does in the post-2000 albums
Man, do i love Manilla Road. Crystal Logic is amazing
For all you crazy sword & sorcery literature fans out there: Mark wrote a few short stories under the "E. C. Hellwell" moniker that were published by DMR Books for the Swords of Steel series. One of the stories is actually an adaption of their 1983 song "The Riddle Master"!
Wow cool! I’ll have to check those out
@@MetalSchoolChannel I have the Swords of Steel Omnibus! It has a tribute to Mark on the back.
Wow, cool I never knew that.
Not so many people listen to Manilla Road, but most of those who did, loved metal music so much, they surely tried to make their own bands.
⚔️ You can only listen to Manilla Road if it is your DESTINY! ⚔️
May the great Shark rest in power. Manilla Road completes my holy Trinity of bands alongside Motörhead and Rush. A mandatory band for any metalhead. Follow the Road of Kings!
😅 dude! We might be cousins! ⚔️
My triumvirate includes both Rush and Manilla Road, but instead of the mighty Motorhead, my number three is Saxon!
Since 1979, on the Bomber Tour, Saxon and Motorhead were best friends, Saxon opening for the Bomber Tour 😮
⚔️ VERY METAL! ⚔️
@@jackluminous6024 My long lost brother! I also worship at the altar of Saxon, I got their logo tattooed onto me after seeing them live. Hail and kill!
"I've made my own code
Sold my soul to Manilla Road"
Extremely underrated bands such as: Manilla Road, Cirith Ungol, Omen, Brocas Helm, Heavy Load, Attacker, Liege Lord, Warlord and US band Legend are essential 80's Epic Metal bands.
But Legend record was released in 1979! OK, I know what you mean, they were ahead of their time anyway, so you can put them in the 80ies metal
You forgot to mention Virgin Steele, but other than that, I agree 100% with you
Cirith Ungol blows.
VIRGIN STEELE other level
@@Creadorfilms !!!???
I got into Manilla Road by getting into Visigoth, probably my favorite modern metal band, whose cover of Necropolis on their debut album led me to look into the group they covered and name-checked as a huge influence, and from there, there was no going back. I consider The Road, along with Cirith Ungol, Manowar, and Attacker, to be the lords and masters of USPM, and they're my personal favorite of the bunch. Open the Gates sits in my personal all-time top 10 favorite albums, with songs like Metalstrom, Astronomica, and Road of Kings sending me on an exhilarating journey of epic, sword-and-sorcery filled high adventure! R.I.P. Mark the Shark, you inspired so many with your music, and left an undeniable mark on all of heavy metal! Long may you reign in the great beyond!
*_Under the stars_*
*_It's written in the cards_*
*_All the myths that bards_*
*_Have sung through history_*
*_The future's not so cold_*
*_Just trust the ways of old_*
*_Magik can save the soul_*
*_And set the spirit free_*
*_It's not just fantasy_*
One of the greatest Metal bands ever. A number one in my group of friends. Even got to open for them once. ⚔️
Hearing “Necropolis” as a teen led me deep down an epic metal rabbit hole. MR got me through a dark chapter of my life and I’ll never forget that. Hail!
Manilla Road has been my favourite metal band for years. It's one of the very few classic bands where I can honestly say that I love their new stuff as much as their cult 80s material.
My favourite band of all time
THE most underrated band, they deserved so much more recognition. Not just the killer music but the amazingly inspired lyrics creates an amazing result, melodies that stick to your mind
and words that make you dream...
Thanks for the good words about "The Blessed Curse" :) I still think that "Mysterium" is somewhat underrated and to me as a fan, not just as their new drummer back then, it was a new start, sounding more "back to the eighties" than any album during the 2000s (and "Playground...").
All three albums you were on were great. Although my favourite probably is Blessed Curse, I find myself going back to Mysterium more. Great songs, dense atmosphere.
@@SwissCheese667 Thank you:) :) I joined the band as a fan and it is no secret that the 2000s albums are not my faves. So I was happy that that the last three have tons of moments and especially details that remind of the mid to late eighties-years. Today I would love to change the song order on "Mysterium" and I would let it start with "Stand Your Ground" (after a short somewhat of an intro)
@@NeudiTheChannel You’re welcome! :) As I wrote elsewhere, Manilla Road is probably the only metal band where I can honestly say that I like the newer material as much as their classic stuff from the 80s. The albums I listen to the most are the three you are on. I also really like the albums Cory was on and listen to them a lot, too (favorite probably Voyager). The only 00s album I hardly ever listen to is Atlantis Rising.
I wouldn't necessarily compare the last three albums to the 80s stuff though. They’re slower, doomier, kind of more restrained in their sound, with more focus on atmosphere and smart musicianship than on catchy choruses or speed (I’m glad Mark scaled back the thrash elements which dominated in the late 80s). I think that MR is one of the few bands that succeeded in “maturing” their sound as they grew older. The newer albums may not be as memorable on the first listen as for example Crystal Logic or The Deluge, but they offer more replay value. A big reason for that is Cory’s and your drumming. Although your styles are different, you guys really manage to pull the listener in. Add a strong bass and Mark’s hypnotic guitar playing to this and you basically get the perfect band!
As for Mysterium, I never thought about the song order. For me it works fine, and I think The Grey God Passes is great as an opener.
I'm Australian and was working in the central deserts at the time Mysterium came out. To hear an MR track about the Leichhardt expedition was really something else! They are indeed mysterious lands.
@@tapevault9444 Mr. Leichardt was an ancestor of Mark Shelton. Parts of that side of his family still live in Berlin, Germany
I grow up with the music of Manilla Road and I had the pleasure to open up twice for them with my band, RIP Shark, you' ll never be forgotten!
The Road is one of the most impeccable metal bands ever. Pound for pound perhaps the best of the classic era. Also, Skeletor singing is a bonus.
My favorite album of theirs (I still have the vinyl somewhere) is "Crystal Logic" mainly because it was my first taste of Manilla Road. It was just harder to find their albums back in the day... I went back recently and started buying their re-releases and wished I had more money and more access to Manilla Road in the old days. :)
I like alot of the earlier stuff as well, with the exception of a few tracks that aren't the greatest but for me "Mystification" is probably my favourite album of theirs. That song "Death by the Hammer" especially, what an epic metal masterpiece.
Since they were so unknown. I had a phase years back with addiction and stumbled on necropolis and the vibes I got from them were terrifying and mystical
Oh wow, I had no idea these guys were from the U.S. I can count on one hand how many songs I had heard from them (before your video) and they always sounded like they had that British NWOBHM sound. I'm definitely going to have to check more of their stuff.
Do it! Favourite and most consistent heavy metal band for me.
My favorite band ever! ⚔️🔥🖤🤘🏻🤘🏻 And on the anniversary of Mark's untimely passing... It makes a truly wonderful tribute.
Thank you for this! 🙏🏻
They randomly popped up on playlist and I was hooked on their sound. Crystal Logic specifically, it's a fantastic album. It's not just the sound and Mark's voice that make you turn your head a bit, but after you really listen to it, the lyrics are so well written and go incredibly well with the music. I know there's a few covers out there of Necropolis, but they just don't capture the same flow Mark has.
His voice sounds like an evil wizard from 70's fantasy novel, and the lyrics fit that descriptions perfectly. That album encompasses a slice of a time, a transition from a few 70's heavy prog tracks to that true 80's metal sound.
Almost four years to the date since Mark's voyage to the Courts of Chaos, you release this amazing review of one of the finest Heavy Metal acts to have ever existed. I salute you my friend. Your channel rules. Long live the Shark, Up the Hammers and down the Nails!
Wow, you're right! I didn't even notice. 4 years tomorrow. Thanks for pointing that out and thanks for watching!
I actually own a copy of Crystal Logic on CD, and it is seriously banging on all cylinders. Manilla Road is a seriously underrated band!
Amazing band, grossly underrated! I remember getting a metal compilation tape from a school mate in late 80s and there wasn't any info on the bands or the songs... Manilla Road, Riot, Maiden, Angel Witch etc. I've spend the next year trying to find out the names of the bands and songs 😀
This always makes my day better
A band very ahead of its time. Open the Gates is my personal favourite of theirs. Randy Foxe was an awesome drummer as well.
I'm the guy who shows friends obscure metal bands... THIS band has somehow completely gone under my radar!!! Awesome video and these guys sound great! Thanks for showing me something new... I guess I'll be tracking this discography down somewhere and giving it a full deep dive!!!
Be sure to check out a side project Mark Shelton recorded in the 1980s with David Chastain. "Shelton/Chastain The Edge of Insanity"
Love your videos. Please do Warlord including Tsamis other projects Lordian Guard/ Lordian Winds and Solo record. Thank you.
I didn't know anything about Manilla Road. I had heard a couple of songs maybe but I'm definitely going to give them more attention. I think the reason why they're so overlooked can be summed up with the title of their demo.... Underground. I think it was a double edged sword in that they had the freedom to just go for it and play the way they wanted but it hurt them as well because it kept them as an underground band. Early stuff to me was a blend of Rush, Black Sabbath and some Hawkwind as you said but then their sound reminded me of Omen to some degree. The fact that never stopped experimenting is great.
This is a valiant tribute to Mark and Manilla Road! Thank you for making this video. Up the Hammers from Wichita Kansas!
Manilla Road. A thousand literally a thousand bands owe the credit of inspiration. They are the secret member of so many bands.
Great video as always.
Glad I got to see them in 2017, one of my top 10 metal bands. RIP Mark. Up The Hammers!🤘🔨
I remember when I heard of Mark's passing. I had just seen Manilla Road live at Muskelrock about a month prior, I was both shocked and sad. Some time after I got my Manilla Road-tattoo, the classic Manilla Road-skull on my right shoulder!
One of my absolute favorite bands, and favorite icon of metal music Mark Shelton 🎸💀⚔
Great channel, keep up the good work!
The cover artwork is phenomenal. I like the rawness of their mix and how they stayed true to their selves.
I have been heavily getting into this band as of late. That means I never gave them a chance before, and that was a shame to say. I feel redeemed listening to these guys kick ass. One of the biggest pioneers of American Epic Power Metal and they kick ass. I still need to listen to all the 90’s and millennium albums as well. The voice took me a tad to get used to, but it was easy. Hail Manilla Road!
These guys have few peers. I can't find proper words to praise them. For all the journeys into worlds unknown, Mark, I thank you. RIP.
As I still have to look into Cirith Ungol, Omen and Brocas Helm, I cannot say anything about the lack of peers which you mention. However, in regards to possible inspirations, Black Sabbath somewhere between their first two eras as well as Led Zeppelin seem to come to mind to me.
I've just recently gotten into Manilla Road and have had Flaming Metal Systems stuck in my head for the past few days....great timing. Can't wait to see what else there is to learn about these dudes. Crystal Logic and Mystification are amazing albums.
My metal cred just plumetted! I've never heard a thing, this looks like a good starting point.
Hope to see someday Metal School - Omen
Thanks for doing this one. Manilla Road has been my favourite metal band for almost twenty years now. I got to see them live three times, did a really long interview with Mark just after gates of Fire got released, and later was able to hang out with mark and the other guys. I really miss him. We like a lot of the same literature as well so there was loads to talk about. I hope this video brings manilla Road to the attention of more people. They were a really wonderful entity that even transcends their genre.
I've literally asked you to do a video on them!!!!!! Thank you man! This bands legacy will forever live on! Thank you or helping bring to light these absolute legends!!!!!!👏
I would like to have seen Mark do one album where he plays guitar and writes but has a second guitarist and a totally different singer. Kinda like taking a more Jon Schaefer (Iced Earth) approach. Just once.
Yes!!! Excited to watch this one man! Can’t put into words how much their music has and will mean to me for the rest of my life, utterly awe inspiring tunes that make my imagination go into overdrive with pure emotion. Mandatory music
Mark was one of the GREATEST poets of metal. Criminally underrated.
Wow, I had no idea this was a band that became so heavy, seemed to get better and better, and was around so long. Really appreciate this channel for learning about all of the many great overlooked metal bands I'm clueless about. I always enjoy people who document lesser known or niche media that doesn't get enough attention. This is excellent evergreen content for CZcams.
Please do a video on SAINT VITUS, CANDLEMASS or SOLITUDE AETURNUS!!
I really appreciate all your videos! Another educational experience for me and I thought I knew most of what there was to know. Thank you!
Mark was (is) a force of nature… he played almost any metal genre (the classic ones) trough all MR albums. Even if is not mentioned on this AWESOME video, MR did some Crazy live albums, Roadkill Live and the Live After Midnight. This last one (a live show, not full I think, with songs that never were recorded in an album, except from Herman Hill) contains to me an absolute gem: “Chromaphobia”, a song That’s like Mark was inspired by two Black Sabbath songs, “Iron Man” (lyrics) and “After Forever” (music). He could do anything ! Rest In Power Mark, you did change my life. Thanks for the vid!
Great compilation! The album "Bring The Magik Down " by "Riddlemaster" that Mark recorded with Rick Fischer in 2017 would have been worth a mention.
One of the most underrated bands ever! The Road has so many great songs and Mark The Shark Shelton was such a freaking phenomenal guitar player! Awesome to see you do a video on these guys. Do you know how many channels I’ve circlejerked about these guys on? Lots and lots of them! Up the hammers!⚔️🦈🤘🏻
Maybe the most underrated bands in metal. Thanx for this journey through their career.
Dude! Masters Of Metal! I love them!
One of the greatest bands of all time. Thanks for this video. The Hammers have long been up in Louisville. \m/
Don't forget that it was Mark that got Candlemass signed to Black Dragon, also. So many great bands have taken influence from early Epic Traditional and Doom.
I love the Riddle Master....the whole Crystal Logic album is awesome. Another great dive into the past of metal. Thanks!!!
Absolutely love this band, really happy to see a full discography dive like this here!
Really hard to pick a favorite album, but I'd say either Open the Gates or Spiral Castle, I revisit songs from those two the most.
Favourite is probably Open the Gates for me. But Spiral Castle is a forgotten, underappreciated gem for sure!! Magical album!
Hail! Thank you for this one, king. Manilla Road is one of my all time favs. This rocks. RIP MARK SHELTON!!’
Really loving the longer vids of long catalog bands like Manilla Road. I do believe their charm lies in the fact that in no way could they ever have widespread commercial appeal say ala Maiden or Priest.Shelton's brain didnt work that way. Thank the gods for that. Manilla Road is one of those bands that if you know you know. Hard to explain unless you know lol. Thanks for this one. Another in what is becoming your long catalog of informative and humorous docs. How about Cirith Ungol next? If Manilla Road is underground,Cirith Ungol is at the core of the earth. Cheers!
I’ll have to get to Cirith Ungol eventually! I actually saw them at the same show I saw Manilla Road haha
Thank you! So happy I discovered this band.
I can’t believe this is an hour long!
I love your passion for this music. Thanks for this upload- I always look forward to these.
I feel like I've heard *of* this band since the 80s when I was growing up and honestly might not have heard their music till this video. Crazy, huh? Gotta say once again that I really appreciate your videos and your overall enthusiasm and love for classic, old school metal. Even if I never have heard a band, I still will happily set aside an hour to watch. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for another good documentary, this band was ahead of their time!! People where not ready for this classic band back then . Excellent band . Epic, classic music that inspired many recent generations. Rest in peace mark shelton
I love opening CZcams and seeing some brand new gold on this channel!
One of my favorite Bands and one of the biggest influences to my own Band Hornado, not so much Musically but in terms of boldness and persistence.
So Amazing that you did this Great review video of this Fabulous band ! ! Big Thanks for that ! ! 😀😎🙏🤘 I discovered Manilla Road about two years ago and fell in love deeply to the band right away and have now all of their albums and I Love them all ! ! Each one is so different, and that's just Great ! ! 💖 Big Hails & Greetings From Finland ! ! Manilla Road Forever ! ! 😎💪👊🤘💞🙏💎
Thanks so much for posting this video. Manilla Road has always been and always will be in my top 5 greatest metal bands ever. I actually had the opportunity to meet them and watch them rehearse songs that would eventually become "Courts of Chaos". Amazing day, super cool folks, and great music, what more could a metalhead ask for. Thanks again for the vid.
Thank you so much for all these amazing videos. I hope you will do one on Cirith Ungol someday.
Now onto listening to more Manilla Road!
Thank you very much for this, a job well done! I am a fan of Manilla Road for over 25 years and and I still can't believe how criminally underrated they are. Also, Mark used to be one of the kindest and most heartfelt people in metal, a unique soul. May he rest in peace and may Manilla Road's legacy continue to grow. Up the hammers!
Thank you for introducing more people to this band! If it weren't for people like you, I would have never gotten into metal!
❤️🤘🏻
Thank you for making this, I'm not much a fan of power metal and such, more into extreme but definitely Manilla Road really had a place in my playlist; been a fan for years now. Such an underrated band and deserved more recognition out there as a legend. RIP Mark "The Shark" Shelton \m/
You finally did it, one of the best Bands ever!
Manilla Road. I'm extremely stoked that you covered this absolutely killer band.
I like singing by Aaron Brown and Andrew Coss on The Circus Maximus album, also drumming on Playground of the Damned album by Cory "Hardcore" Christner is absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed the video. Thanks!
Great video, excellent band! Timeless music. Thanks for including Manilla Road. They truly are the best of the best in my opinion.
I was asking for this! Thank you! One of my favorite bands
Thanks for this meterial... I never heard Mannila Road and never heard about.... shame on me... Need to hear this discography!
I'm proud of having interviewed the band but especially Mark and Brian, in May 2016, Porto (PT). I sincerely hope Brian and Neudi's new project may somehow perpetuate some legacy. Long live the Legend of Manilla Road and the memory of Mark ''the Shark'' Shelton.
Thank you! I started watching your channel since the Running wild video you made and was hoping you would make a video about this great band. You surely delivered!
I just got the notification about this video! Made my day.
I love this channel! It's like Metal School is this cool friend who brings me new albums and bands he's excited about every couple of weeks! I really look forward to each new video and I've discovered so many great bands watching your channel thanks so much!
lol, thanks for watching!
Such a fun band! Thanks for the deep dive!
Epic video man, a superb celebration of Mark's legacy!
Amazing documentary. Amazing band. You could do a short one about X-wild. A kinda missed them on your Running wild video
2 days later, I decide to finally watch this. wasn't even going to watch it (tbh), cause I swear, I never liked this band at all. I dunno what in the hell was wrong with me back in the day, but I totally and completely wrote this band off... without ever hearing a single, Goddamn thing. and, now I truly wish that I had. if there was ever a reason as to why, that's long since forgotten. apparently, something was wrong with me, cause the majority of music in this video that you've showed is quite massively EPIC. even that Hellwell, damn a love that! I'm really glad you made this video, sorry it took me 2 days to watch it, but I'm really glad I did. Manilla Road... truly, some fine, epic metal.
No worries at all! Glad you gave them another chance :) 🤘🏻
Tracks like Dreams of Eschaton you can definitely hear the influence they had on Bathory.
When I was new to metal music the first Actuall metal song that I ever heard was crystal logic it randomly came up on youtube suggestions the first time I heard didn't like it very much until it came to the middle of it I remember its effect on me was so much it was like getting shot in chest. Im really thankful for your hard work to make this really awesome Videos. Apologies for my broken english
It would seem that Manilla Road and Anvil, though very very different bands musically, had difficulty finding their place in the world of hard rock and metal. It sounds to me that because neither band got the airplay (something that was important back in those days) they needed. It's a real shame as MR really had a good sound. Thanks for pointing out this band to a guy like me who should have known about them.
You are right. Manilla Road are a cult band, but they deserved so much more. Sad.
Manilla Road is the purest form of heavy metal. Its heavy metal as itself.
One of the best bands and front men in rock and roll, Mr. Mark Shelton, what a band man, straight from the heart, love this band, and always will. Thanks Shark for all your amazing music. Would love to know what big Scooter is up too now, what a bass player he is, love his stuff he did on those older records, magic.
You're channel is awesome and i love the diversity of bands you cover , don't know if you go through the comments for suggestions but pagan altar, warlord, pentagram would be killer
Always down for suggestions! Thanks for watching :) 🤘🏻
Pagans Mind as well
Thank you for this one I just saw their version of D.O.A. on CZcams and yes this band needs way more love then they get
Manilla Road came to my city exactly once and I was fortunate enough to be there. It was the 40th anniversary tour and it was amazing, I was so happy I got to see them. They had autographed, sealed original pressings of Crystal Logic at the merch booth for $75. I purchased something else, but wish I had sprung for it, because Mark Shelton would pass away a short time later. I messaged Mark on Facebook before the show and he replied to me, thanking me for being a fan. I reread it several times once I got the bad news. It was incredibly tragic. There was no need for him to go at such a relatively young age. He died doing what he loved, so there's that at the very, very least. Still, it's something that just should not have happened. He pushed himself too hard at his final show. They deserved to be recognized for what a great band they were, and I think that came together thanks to the internet before the end. But it should have happened in the 80's.
Damn I missed this notification. Manilla Road were just kick ass. Mark was so unique.
Mystification is my personal favorite album, just because Mark's guitar tone is so perfect. One of the best tones I have ever heard.
Some people to this day still don't know who they are. That's been changing though.
The Morbid Tabernacle definitely predated Cradle of Filth, but was definitely typical for intermission between songs on probably every Cradle of Filth album ever released.
Dreams of Eschaton was kind of like late 1980s Thrash towards the end of the song
Thanks 👍 metal school 🏫 that was really good and a band I really hardly ever heard , looks like I got some homework to do hey ,cheers from Australia 👍 keep Rocking
Thank you for introducing me to this band to me. Currently rocking out to Witches Brew. Loving that song.