Although the Heathen Kings from Great Britain have not yet released an album, they have already made a couple of appearances on our blog. So it’s only logical to interview singer/guitarist Andrew Clarke as part of our huge Manilla Road Special. We hope you enjoy the read.

Would you classify Manilla Road as an important source of inspiration for your music?

Andrew Clarke: I think any band that call themselves epic metal owes something to Manilla Road.

Can you point out a special moment that you experienced with Manilla Road?

Driving in the car with my family and hearing my 7-year old daughter singing along with the chorus of “Necropolis“!

What makes Manilla Road special in your opinion?

They really had a way of portraying the dark, obscure and mystical with their music, and sonically and artistically had their own sound, which is something every band should aspire to. Mark Shelton never compromised his vision of the music he was making. In many ways Manilla Road are the purest expression of heavy metal.

What are your three favourite Manilla Road albums?

Crystal Logic, Into the Courts of Chaos, Out of the Abyss.

What’s the most underrated Manilla Road album in your opinion?

Voyager.

What are your five favourite Manilla Road tracks?

“Weavers of the Web“, “Crystal Logic“, “Into the Courts of Chaos“, “Haunted Palace“, “Flaming Metal Systems“.

What’s the most underrated Manilla Road track in your opinion?

“Dragon Star“.

Which Manilla Road track moves you the most emotionally?

“Mystification“.

What’s your favourite solo/lead played by Mark Shelton?

“Flaming Metal Systems“.

How would you define the term epic metal?

I think it’s quite a broad term that can count black metal, power metal, doom metal bands and more under its umbrella, but one common factor seems to a love for the mystical and obscure themes of authors like Michael Moorcock and HP Lovecraft, as well as the high fantasy of Tolkien and the countless writers whom he has inspired – one of my favourites being Joe Abercrombie and his First Law books.

Are there any young bands inspired by Manilla Road that you appreciate?

Any of the other bands answering these questions for Epic Metal Blog [laughs].

What do you generally think of Manilla Road‘s legacy and the current epic metal scene?

I think the epic metal scene is in good shape and great music is coming out all the time. Shark would be proud to see it!