Today, Eduardo Antón – guitar player of Spanish heavy metal band War Dogs – talks about his passion for Manilla Road. Enjoy reading – and check out his music.
Would you classify Manilla Road as an important source of inspiraton for your music?
Eduardo Antón: Absolutely. I started learning to play guitar with the classics, such as Maiden, Judas, Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath… but the next step for me regarding the molding my style of playing was discovering Manilla Road. They have a unique way of creating riffs and putting vocals on them. When I’m writing a new song I always try to make things like that. Strong riffs with a lot of feeling and even stronger vocal melodies, that’s what Shelton taught me.
Can you point out a special moment that you experienced with Manilla Road?
Because I’m very young (21 years old) I have only seen them live once (in 2016, I believe) – and I would consider that one of the very best moments of my metal life! Doing the collaboration with Bryan Patrick for «The Shark» on the Die By My Sword album was a very special thing for me too. Besides, spending a little time with him talking about Road and Shelton at KIT 2019 was also very special.
What makes Manilla Road special in your opinion?
The vocal melodies, I believe. I would even state that the vocal melodies of Manilla Road are the best ones in the whole metal scene. They can make you feel empowered – but at the same time they can make you shed a tear. Beautiful and strong at the same time.
What are your three favourite Manilla Road albums?
- Open The Gates
- The Deluge
- Crystal Logic
What’s the most underrated Manilla Road album in your opinion?
Mark of the Beast for me. I think that’s an absolute banger of an album (probably it would be ranked at number four on my top) that doesn’t get enough recognition – neither from the fans nor the band. Some of the best vocal interpretations and solos from Mark are from that album.
What are your five favourite Manilla Road tracks?
- «Astronomica»
- «Time trap»
- «Flaming Metal Systems»
- «Crystal Logic»
- «Riddle of Steel»
What’s the most underrated Manilla Road track in your opinion?
I would say «Time trap». Maybe because it’s not as epic as the things that would came later, but the opening part always makes me shed a tear.
Which Manilla Road track moves you the most emotionally?
«Astronomica», without a doubt.
What’s your favourite solo/lead played by Mark Shelton?
The solo from «The Ninth Wave».
How would you define the term epic metal?
I always make the comparison between epic metal and the movie Jason and the Argonauts. That sense of wonder, of discovering ancient things that are gonna try to kill you and the sense of victory that brings their defeat. The movie makes you feel that, and I believe good epic metal with good lyrics should make you feel like that way too.
Are there any young bands inspired by Manilla Road that you appreciate?
Visigoth and Eternal Champion were the first two young bands that I discovered when I started digging in the underground – and I still like them a lot. Throne of Iron are a good band too, and I loved the Smoulder LP from last year. From Spain, Kramp are playing music that is inspired by Manilla Road too. And I want to mention Slough Feg, even if I wouldn’t consider them as a young band as they started 20 years ago. But they are one of my favourite bands.
What do you generally think of Manilla Road‘s legacy and the current epic metal scene?
I believe it is growing stronger than ever before. Today, many young fans appreciate this kind of music, and bands like Manilla Road, Omen or Cirith Ungol are playing for larger audiences than in the past. For example, in Spain those bands are headlining underground festivals, Cirith Ungol even got announced for one big festival. Moreover, there are more young people playing this vein of metal. So, I think the future is bright for us lovers of epic heavy metal.