Manilla
Road, an influential American heavy metal band formed in 1977 by guitarist and
vocalist Mark "The Shark" Shelton, became a cornerstone of the
underground metal scene, revered for their distinctive blend of epic themes,
mystical atmospheres, and intricate musicianship. The band's music often delved
into fantastical narratives, drawing inspiration from literature, history, and
mythology. One of their key influences came from the works of Robert E. Howard,
the legendary creator of Conan the Barbarian and the father of the
sword-and-sorcery genre.
Robert
E. Howard (1906–1936) was a prolific American pulp writer whose stories of
heroic fantasy and larger-than-life characters influenced generations of
writers, artists, and musicians. His most famous creation, Conan the Barbarian,
became an archetype of the powerful, rugged warrior navigating a brutal, mystical
world. Howard's vivid storytelling, rich with action, mysticism, and ancient
lore, resonated deeply with the themes of epic heavy metal, making his works a
natural fit for bands like Manilla Road.
Mark
Shelton was an avid reader of Howard's works, particularly drawn to the
grandeur and brutality of Howard’s settings, as well as the raw, primal energy
of his characters. Howard's ability to blend historical and fantastical
elements—creating realms of fallen civilizations, powerful gods, and unstoppable
warriors—mirrored the grandeur and mysticism that Shelton sought to evoke in
Manilla Road's music.
Songs
Inspired by Robert E. Howard
Manilla
Road incorporated direct and indirect references to Robert E. Howard’s stories
throughout their career, especially in the early to mid-1980s, during the
band's creative peak.
1. “Necropolis” (1983)
From the album "Crystal Logic",
"Necropolis" is one of Manilla Road’s best-known songs. While not
explicitly referencing any one Howard story, the title and atmosphere evoke a
setting reminiscent of Howard's crumbling, ancient cities that feature
prominently in Conan stories. The song conveys a sense of doom, mystery, and
heroic adventure—qualities that define Howard’s world-building.
2. “The Veils of Negative Existence” (1983)
Also from "Crystal Logic", this
track dives into philosophical musings on existence, war, and destiny, much
like Howard’s tales, which often pondered the futility of civilization and the
timeless cycle of barbarism versus culture. The song’s dark, brooding energy
fits the foreboding atmosphere of Howard's Hyborian Age.
3. “The Riddle Master” (1984)
From the album "The Deluge", this track draws
parallels to the mental and physical challenges that Conan often faces. While
not a direct adaptation of any one Howard tale, the song captures the essence
of Howard's themes, where wits and strength are equally critical for survival.
4. “The Books of Skelos” (1985)
Featured on the "Open the Gates" album, this
song is a direct reference to Robert E. Howard’s Conan mythos. The Books of
Skelos are arcane texts in Howard's universe, said to contain forbidden
knowledge of dark sorcery. In this track, Manilla Road captures the sinister
allure of magic in Howard’s stories, with lyrics that reflect the dangers of
meddling with the unknown.
5. “Hour of the Dragon” (1985)
A pinnacle moment for Manilla Road’s
Howardian influence, “Hour of the Dragon” is directly inspired by the novel of
the same name. Howard’s "The Hour of the Dragon" is a full-length Conan novel,
and the song mirrors the epic scope of the story, in which Conan faces
political intrigue, sorcery, and resurrection to reclaim his throne. The
grandeur and urgency of the music align perfectly with Howard's fast-paced and
suspenseful narrative.
6. “Return of the Old Ones” (1990)
From "The Courts of Chaos", this song
taps into Howard's fascination with ancient, forgotten entities that once ruled
the world, a recurring theme in his works. Though not directly referring to a
specific story, the track captures the essence of Howard's universe, where
ancient gods and monsters are a looming threat to mankind.
Manilla
Road's fusion of Howardian themes with their heavy metal sound helped pioneer a
subgenre often referred to as "epic metal" or "sword-and-sorcery
metal." In this genre, bands focus on high fantasy, mythical battles, and
heroic tales. Howard’s works, with their violent and primal energy, perfectly
complement the raw power of heavy metal music. The rhythmic and melodic
intensity of Manilla Road's music became the sonic embodiment of Howard's
tales—equally heroic, doom-laden, and timeless.
While
many metal bands have drawn from the works of Robert E. Howard, few did so as
authentically and deeply as Manilla Road. Shelton’s genuine passion for
Howard’s writing was evident in the careful way he crafted his lyrics and song
structures to reflect the tone and themes of sword and sorcery. This connection
between the band and Howard’s stories helped elevate Manilla Road’s status in
the metal community, securing their legacy as pioneers of fantastical,
narrative-driven metal.
Mark
Shelton's tragic passing in 2018 marked the end of an era for Manilla Road, but
their influence continues to be felt in the metal world. Their dedication to
merging literary themes with metal created a rich, immersive experience for
fans, offering them not just music but a gateway into a universe of ancient
sorceries, titanic battles, and forgotten kingdoms.
Robert
E. Howard’s legacy in literature and film remains iconic, and thanks to bands
like Manilla Road, his influence in music, particularly in metal, endures as
well. Together, they forged a unique bond between the written word and the
power of music—bringing Howard’s mythical landscapes to life through sound.
Nick
Parastatidis
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου