Manilla Road truly defined Epic Metal! Mark Shelton's legendary band debuted with 'Invasion' in 1980. Counting 'Circus Maximus' as a proper album, their 2013 release, 'Mysterium,' marks their 17th album and is considered one of their best since 1983's 'Crystal Logic.'
'Mysterium' is a deeply personal and scholarly album. Shelton explains: "It features ten songs, with themes drawn from Scottish lore and my family heritage, and the title track about my Great Great Great Uncle Ludwig von Leichhardt, an explorer in Australia. The project embodies a 'never give up' attitude, with a musical style reminiscent of our 1980s work but in a majestic Manilla Road fashion. The cover art by Alexander von Wieding is stunning, adding to the album's epic feel."
Despite its intellectual depth, the album retains its powerful musical punch. Shelton adds, "We're always reinventing ourselves. 'Mysterium' is less thrash and more epic, with heavy yet beautiful moments."
Comparing 'Mysterium' to other Manilla Road albums is tough for Shelton: "It has hints of 'Mystification,' 'Mark Of The Beast,' 'Open The Gates,' 'The Deluge,' and 'Gates Of Fire.' It revisits many Manilla styles but sounds more like Manilla Road than Hellwell. 'Playground Of The Damned' led to Hellwell, which has a darker tone."
Manilla Road is in a creative peak, releasing new albums every two years and playing at major festivals. Shelton says, "It feels great to create and tour more than ever. Hellwell allowed us to return to our epic metal roots. 'Mysterium' was never intended to follow Hellwell's path but to stay true to Manilla Road's sound."
The band has a growing fan base in the U.S. and Canada, surprising even Shelton: "We recently played in Calgary to a packed hall with fans singing along. Our support is strong in Germany and Greece, where fans love our heroic tales and classical metal approach. I'm indebted to all our fans. Up The Hammers & Down The Nails."
