MANILLA ROAD – Mystification

‘Mystification’ was the sixth full-length release from seminal metallers Manilla Road, put out back in 1987, which many consider to be within the golden age for the band. Although, I still rate their new stuff, I agree – along with ‘The Deluge’ and ‘Open the Gates’ this is MR at their very best.

Firstly, Mark Shelton was firing on all cylinders and his song-writing was at its zenith, with melodic hooks and memorable riffs abounding. The musicianship is excellent too, with seemingly effortless soloing and a driving rhythm section that was starting to incorporate thrash influences for a welcome injection of power and speed.

Fans of the band who don’t already own this are missing out and newcomers who always wanted to check these guys out and see what all the fuss is about would do well to start here too.

This reissue is the original master and the first time on CD that the songs are listed in the originally intended order. Great stuff.

www.manillaroad.net
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