Manilla Road was an American heavy metal band hailing from Wichita, Kansas, and was founded by lead guitarist Mark "The Shark" Shelton in 1977. With a blend of heavy metal, progressive rock, and power metal, the band has often been seen as an influential pioneer in the traditional metal scene. Despite limited commercial success, Manilla Road garnered a devoted following with its unique style and mythological songwriting, amplifying their status as an iconic group within the underground metal community.

Their music spans a vast thematic universe, exploring fantasy, history, and the arcane, stylized by Shelton's distinct guitar playing and epic compositional approach. Albums like "Crystal Logic" and "Open The Gates" are considered classics of the genre, with the former particularly celebrated for its captivating storytelling and the latter noted for its complexity and musicianship, evidenced by the meticulous 2015 remaster. Manilla Road's journey continued with a strong pace in their later years, notably with the release of "To Kill A King" in 2017, displaying the band's unwavering commitment to their robust sound and thematic depth, even after four decades into their career. Unfortunately, the metal world mourned the loss of founder Mark Shelton in 2018, but his legacy lives on through the timeless music Manilla Road created over an impressive discography that deeply resonates with metal aficionados around the globe.

Genres

Nwothm

Speed Metal

Thrash Metal

Us Power Metal

Latest Release

Spiral Castle

Manilla Road

Album - 13 Tracks - Released November 17, 2023