Manilla Road and Robert E. Howard

 

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