Manilla Road formed in Wichita, Kansas, in 1977. Guitarist and vocalist Mark “The Shark” Shelton founded the group. The band eventually pioneered the epic US power metal movement.
Initially, the group played space rock on early albums like Invasion (1980) and Metal (1982). Shortly after, drummer Randy “Thrasher” Foxe joined Shelton and bassist Scott Park. The band then unleashed their landmark fantasy masterpiece, Crystal Logic, in 1983.
Furthermore, they defined epic heavy metal with Open the Gates (1985) and The Deluge (1986). As a result, European record label Black Dragon Records brought them international acclaim.
Meanwhile, the band released another classic album, Mystification, in 1987 and later explored thrash metal elements on 1988’s aggressive Out of the Abyss.
However, internal changes altered the band’s trajectory over the next few years. Longtime bassist Scott Park departed the group following 1990’s The Courts of Chaos. Subsequently, Shelton dissolved the original project after releasing The Circus Maximus in 1992.
Together with co-vocalist Bryan “Hellroadie” Patrick, Shelton reactivated Manilla Road in 2001. In fact, their comeback album Atlantis Rising delighted underground metal fans worldwide. Ultimately, the group released a steady stream of acclaimed records throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
Nevertheless, tragedy struck the legendary act during a European festival tour. Founder Mark Shelton unexpectedly passed away in July 2018 at age 60. Afterwards, the surviving members permanently retired the band name out of respect.
