Manilla Road - Invasion/Metal
Cult Metal Classics/Sonic Age - CULTMETAL017 - 26/11/04
By Patrick Walsh
Those of you familiar with the rise of the so-called 'epic metal' movement of the 1980s peddled by the likes of Manowar et al will have almost certainly come across Manilla Road at some point in your (heroic?) travels. The band is regarded as one of the originators of this sound, and now for the first time, thanks to the work of Sonic Age division Cult Metal Classics you can own the first two albums on cd as part of a special two-disc set.
Manilla Road's debut Invasion was originally released in 1980, and whilst dated by today's standards serves as a good statement of intent for the band. Exhibiting a distinctly 70s flavour in places, Invasion has perhaps more in common with various 70s hard-rock outfits (particularly in the wonderfully playful drum and basswork and subtle psychadelic flourishes that is typical of the era) than being tied down to the NWOBHM as one might expect. The sound is suitably raw and crackly, and it's obvious that this was remastered from LPs rather than the master tapes, which have apparently been lost. This turns out to be a good thing, as it means the feel of an era is preserved rather than lost on the cd format, which can regrettably be the case with these reissues. Nods towards their future forays into 'epic' territory are peppered throughout this disc, such as the Spinal Tap-in space spoken word intro to 'Far Side of the Sun', and guitarist/vocalist Mark Shelton is almost relentless with his lead guitars. Occasionally the boundaries of good taste are crossed, such as the painfully repetetive 'Street Jammer', but is more than made up for in the excellent and restrained acoustic number 'Centurian War Games' and 13-minute closer 'The Empire'.
Their 1982 follow up Metal meanwhile is a slightly more polished affair, but one that still retains a certain old-school charm. Opener 'Enter the Warrior' may seem a little repetitive and on first listen Metal may seem less well-rounded than Invasion, but further investigation will yield many rewards. 'Queen of the Black Coast' is arguably the first great song on Metal, but it's subtle beauty gives way to a truly epic midsection. 'Cage of Mirrors' contains one of Manilla Road's trademark buildups, exploding in a crescendo of dextrous guitar work that is sure to have long-time fans wetting themselves, particularly when Shelton screams 'where demon warriors ride!' before winding right back down into it's low-key opening. Lovely. What is noteworthy about Metal in general is the more restrained leadwork from Mark Shelton and the tighter playing from the rhythm section in general. The production is of a far higher quality this time round too, and it's lack of LP-induced popping and crackling make the whole thing seem glossy by comparison to Invasion, but it suits the material on this recording better anyway. Whilst perhaps being a little less atmospheric and more in your face than its predecessor, Metal will no doubt appeal to fans of the band's later work, such as their '83 classic Crystal Logic, as it's closer to that record in terms of both songwriting and production than Invasion's leanings towards the tail end of the 70s. Whatever way you look at it, this package is essential for fans of Manilla Road, not to mention anyone looking for a slice of history captured in timeless fashion on these two discs.
8.5/10
Sonic Age Records' Official Website
Cult Metal Classics/Sonic Age - CULTMETAL017 - 26/11/04
By Patrick Walsh
Those of you familiar with the rise of the so-called 'epic metal' movement of the 1980s peddled by the likes of Manowar et al will have almost certainly come across Manilla Road at some point in your (heroic?) travels. The band is regarded as one of the originators of this sound, and now for the first time, thanks to the work of Sonic Age division Cult Metal Classics you can own the first two albums on cd as part of a special two-disc set.
Manilla Road's debut Invasion was originally released in 1980, and whilst dated by today's standards serves as a good statement of intent for the band. Exhibiting a distinctly 70s flavour in places, Invasion has perhaps more in common with various 70s hard-rock outfits (particularly in the wonderfully playful drum and basswork and subtle psychadelic flourishes that is typical of the era) than being tied down to the NWOBHM as one might expect. The sound is suitably raw and crackly, and it's obvious that this was remastered from LPs rather than the master tapes, which have apparently been lost. This turns out to be a good thing, as it means the feel of an era is preserved rather than lost on the cd format, which can regrettably be the case with these reissues. Nods towards their future forays into 'epic' territory are peppered throughout this disc, such as the Spinal Tap-in space spoken word intro to 'Far Side of the Sun', and guitarist/vocalist Mark Shelton is almost relentless with his lead guitars. Occasionally the boundaries of good taste are crossed, such as the painfully repetetive 'Street Jammer', but is more than made up for in the excellent and restrained acoustic number 'Centurian War Games' and 13-minute closer 'The Empire'.
Their 1982 follow up Metal meanwhile is a slightly more polished affair, but one that still retains a certain old-school charm. Opener 'Enter the Warrior' may seem a little repetitive and on first listen Metal may seem less well-rounded than Invasion, but further investigation will yield many rewards. 'Queen of the Black Coast' is arguably the first great song on Metal, but it's subtle beauty gives way to a truly epic midsection. 'Cage of Mirrors' contains one of Manilla Road's trademark buildups, exploding in a crescendo of dextrous guitar work that is sure to have long-time fans wetting themselves, particularly when Shelton screams 'where demon warriors ride!' before winding right back down into it's low-key opening. Lovely. What is noteworthy about Metal in general is the more restrained leadwork from Mark Shelton and the tighter playing from the rhythm section in general. The production is of a far higher quality this time round too, and it's lack of LP-induced popping and crackling make the whole thing seem glossy by comparison to Invasion, but it suits the material on this recording better anyway. Whilst perhaps being a little less atmospheric and more in your face than its predecessor, Metal will no doubt appeal to fans of the band's later work, such as their '83 classic Crystal Logic, as it's closer to that record in terms of both songwriting and production than Invasion's leanings towards the tail end of the 70s. Whatever way you look at it, this package is essential for fans of Manilla Road, not to mention anyone looking for a slice of history captured in timeless fashion on these two discs.
8.5/10
Sonic Age Records' Official Website
