Search - Manilla Road :: Invasion/Metal

In the beginning...

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 06/06/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most overlooked American heavy metal bands ever is Kansas band Manilla Road. The band has been toiling in relative obscurity since the late 1970's. Manilla Road debuted in 1980 with the album invasion. It had more of a straightforward hard rock sound, and was somewhat progressive (see the 13 minute track The Empire), though undeniably heavy, with plenty of hard charging guitar riffs and snarling vocals. Metal followed two years later, and true to its title, the album takes a much more metallic direction. The fantasy-based lyrics, metal riffs, and cleaner vocals highlight a tighter, more metallic overall album.



Sonic Age/Cult Metal Classics reissued Invasion and Metal on a 2-disc collection in 2004. The albums have been digitally remastered, though given the original material they still sound a bit rough. There isn't anything in the way of bonus material, but the essays in the liner notes give some good insights into this overlooked band. It's probably not the best Manilla Road material for newcomers to start with, but serious fans will want to pick this set up.

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