Manilla Road is truly the band that would not die. Never caving in to whatever the prevailing trend was (be it grunge, death or glam), the Wichita, Kansas band had a career that defied the odds and managed to release some outstanding epic heavy metal during the 80's and early 90's. Their sound was completely unique, ranging from wild thrash to Rush-like epics to brooding doom. Lead guitarist/singer Mark Shelton was one of the most talented frontmen in American metal. Yet despite the talent the band obviously possessed, they never made it past cult status and broke up around 1993. But the flame of metal burned too brightly inside of Mark Shelton, and now Manilla Road (much like Atlantis) has risen again. This is no mere "cash-in" reunion designed to strip nostalgic headbangers of their hard-earned bucks. Manilla Road in 2001 are more vibrant and creative than ever and "Atlantis Rising" is their best-produced and most challenging record (though I will always have a fondness for "Crystal Logic").

For the first time ever, a Manilla album boasts a crystal clear production, allowing the musical complexity to arise. The pace here is generally moderate, giving it a more majestic feel, but there are bursts of speed and power. Shelton's screaming guitar is literally all over the place - the man can cut loose with a solo at the drop of a hat. Not only that, but his unique vocals, often criticized because of their "reediness", have broadened as well. They now include some genuinely haunting melodies as well as a new found fierce growl that enters the realm of death metal. Much like King Diamond, "The Shark" takes on several personas during the course of the record. He is ably abetted by new members Mark Anderson on bass (a very nimble-fingered player) and drummer Bryan "Hellroadie" Patrick.

With the exception of opening track "Megalodon", which stands alone, "Atlantis Rising" gives us Manilla Road's most enormous fantasy concept piece yet. It involves the return of Atlantis (Atland) to the surface after millennia, the betrayal of Atland's King by the Sea Witch, the destruction of most of the world by Cthulhu and the march of Odin, Thor and the Norse Gods to defeat the Great Old One and his evil spawn. That's not exactly something you'd read about in the latest Linkin Park album. This is a very strong and very welcome return of a band who deserve a second chance to dominate heavy metal. "Atlantis Rising" is a deep and fascinating record that is not totally instantantaneous but which sinks in deep and leaves a lot more lasting impression than most other heavy metal being released today.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2002 Year Book Volume 2 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2001-and-2002.