Today, Mark Nicholson from Canadian heavy metal band Illegal Bodies talks all things Manilla Road. Enjoy reading!
Would you classify Manilla Road as an important source of inspiraton for your music?
Mark Nicholson: Definitely, like anything with an 80s heavy metal feel with a touch of fantasy and mystery.
Can you point out a special moment that you experienced with Manilla Road?
I was introduced to them by a local band doing a cover. I did not like the local band except for that one song and I searched for it and found out it wasn’t even theirs – it was a cover!
What makes Manilla Road special in your opinion?
The magic and mystery, they really transport you into their realm.
What are your three favourite Manilla Road albums?
- Mystification
- Crystal Logic
- Mark of the Beast
What’s the most underrated Manilla Road album in your opinion?
Mysterium.
What are your five favourite Manilla Road tracks?
- «Necropolis»
- «Mystify»
- «Dreams of Eschaton»
- «The Ram»
- «Aftershock»
- «Haunted Palace»
- «Flaming Metal Systems»
I couldn’t pick five but settled on six tracks haha. [Or seven…, André]
What’s the most underrated Manilla Road track in your opinion?
«The Fountain»
Which Manilla Road track moves you the most emotionally?
«Flaming Metal Systems».
What’s your favourite solo/lead played by Mark Shelton?
«Flaming Metal Systems».
How would you define the term epic metal?
Metal with a fantasy, warrior theme. Battles, Dungeons, Swords and Magic
Are there any young bands inspired by Manilla Road that you appreciate?
Atlantean Kodex? Not sure if they’re inspired by Manilla Road but I like them for similar reasons.
What do you generally think of Manilla Road‘s legacy and the current epic metal scene?
Legendary! Current epic metal scene? A lot of bands I like – but confined to online.