Manilla Road was created by Shelton in 1977 with high school friends Benny Munkirs, Rick Fisher and brothers Robert and Scott Park. After playing in local bars, the group first gained attention with their song "Herman Hill," inspired by the Herman Hill riot. Their first album "Invasion" was released in 1980 on the band's own label, Roadster Records. Between this time and their next release the band recorded material for an album to be titled "The Dreams Of Eschaton", however this was not released until 2002 (under the name "Mark of the Beast") as they were not happy with the sound. Shelton has been quoted as saying the music was "not metal enough" and "sounded like shit." Despite this "Mark of the Beast" was critically well received when it was eventually released. These early albums have more in common with progressive rock and proto-heavy metal than the band's later epic metal sound.
The next record was "Metal" in 1982, which began to define the future musical direction of Manilla Road. Their "classic" sound was solidified with the epic release of "Crystal Logic" in 1983.
The next five Manilla Road albums (along with a live release, "Roadkill") featured new drummer Randy Foxe, who had more of a thrash-oriented style than original drummer Rick Fisher. Along with "Crystal Logic" (1983), the new lineup's first two albums, "Open the Gates" (1985) and "The Deluge" (1986), are generally considered to be classics in the field of epic heavy metal. It was on these three albums that Manilla Road's style became fully formed. Lyrics typically feature fantastic elements from Norse mythology, Arthurian legend or other literary sources. These are often combined in one setting, the concept album "Atlantis Rising" (2001), for example, features a war between the Æsir and Cthulhu, centered around the city of Atlantis.
"Mystification" (1987) suffered from exceptionally poor production resulting, ironically, from the substandard equipment at a new studio the band hoped would improve their sound. The recent re-release has fixed this problem to a large extent. After Mystification came "Out of the Abyss" (1988), widely criticised at the time for its thrash metal influences. The band released one more album, "The Courts of Chaos" (1992), described by Shelton as "the first true Manilla Road masterpiece" before splitting up because of personal and musical disagreements between Scott Park and Randy Foxe.
In 1992 Mark Shelton recorded "Circus Maximus" with Aaron Brown and Andrew Coss. Despite having never been intended as a Manilla Road project, the album was released under this name at the record company's insistence.
Manilla Road re-formed in 1994 and released "Atlantis Rising" in 2001, again with Mark Shelton as the only original member. On this occasion, however, the sound was much more consistent with the Manilla Road of old and it was the band who decided to continue using the name. Their latest albums are "Spiral Castle" published in 2002, "Gates Of Fire", in 2005, and "Voyager" in 2008. In May 2009 they released their second live album called "After Midnight Live", which was recorded live, on the air, at KMUW radio studios, Wichita, Kansas in December of 1979 shortly before the release of their debut album "Invasion". The album "Playground of the Damned" was released in 2011, followed by "Mysterium" in 2013, "The Blessed Curse" in 2015, and what was their final release, "To Kill a King" in 2017.
Mark "The Shark" Shelton died in Germany from a heart attack at the age of 60. Manilla Road were on tour at the time of Shelton’s death; he had performed at Germany’s Headbangers Open Air Festival the previous night.
The Ninth Wave
Manilla Road Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For all the tortured
And all the slaves
Arthur did rise
On the Ninth Wave.
To rule the Britains
And lead the brave
Out of the darkness
Chorus
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King.
2nd verse
From Merlin's Magik
The stones were placed
He raised the mist
Opened the gates.
From crystal waters
The Lady's Lake
Did rise the sword
Of Midgar's fate.
Chorus
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King.
3rd Verse
There once was a time
When devine light shown
And the Lady of the Lake
Raised the sword of the Throne.
And the wind shall howl
Totentanz
Einhereir of Valhalla
Rise
Chorus
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King.
4th verse
Valhallan warriors
Ride by his side
The Dragon mist
Crawls through the night.
Avalon's iron gates
No longer cry
Einherierer
Storm to the fight.
Chorus
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King.
The Ninth Wave by Manilla Road is a song that narrates a powerful story of King Arthur's rise to power and the events that led to the birth of a new king. The first verse states that Arthur rose amidst the agony of the tortured and the slaves. He led the Britains to kill the darkness of their day and helped them seek a new dawn. The chorus describes the emergence of Dragonships from the sea, announcing the arrival of a new king who is ushering in a new era. Three queens bring the newborn king, signifying the significance of the birth of a new leader.
The second stanza details the magic used by Merlin to place stones and open the gates of a mystical realm. The Lady of the Lake emerges from the misty realm, holding the sword of Midgar's fate, a powerful weapon that signifies leadership and supremacy. The chorus returns, heralding the arrival of dragonships and the new king.
The third verse continues glorifying the Lady of the Lake as the one who initiated the creation of a divine light, leading the followers to the throne of the sword. The howling of the wind signifies the presence of Totentaz, while an army in Valhalla rises. In the fourth and final stanza, Valhallan warriors ride towards the new king, and the Dragon mist crawls in the night. The iron gates of Avalon no longer cry, and Einherierer storms into battle—the chorus returns for the final time.
Overall, Manilla Road's The Ninth Wave is a song filled with mystical themes and storytelling that is vivid, imaginative, and imaginative. King Arthur is depicted as a powerful figure who rises to power as a beacon of hope for his followers. The song itself is a tribute of sorts to the idea of a legendary figure, and the melody and lyrics wrap it in mystical qualities that add to its power.
Line by Line Meaning
For all the tortured
This line acknowledges the struggles and hardships faced by many.
And all the slaves
This line suggests that the struggles faced are related to oppression and slavery.
Arthur did rise
This line refers to the legendary King Arthur, who is believed to have been a symbol of hope and leadership.
On the Ninth Wave.
This line is possibly a reference to Celtic mythology, where the ninth wave is seen as a transformative and powerful force.
To rule the Britains
This line suggests that Arthur's rise to power was motivated by a need to lead and govern the people of Britain.
And lead the brave
This line indicates that Arthur was a figure who inspired courage and bravery in others.
Out of the darkness
This line suggests that Arthur played a role in leading Britain out of a dark and difficult time.
Of their day.
This line emphasizes that the events being described were a significant part of history and had a major impact on the people of the time.
Dragonships
This line introduces the idea that mythical creatures and fantastical elements may be present in the story being told.
Rise from the sea
This line describes the emergence of the dragonships, potentially foreshadowing a journey or battle that will take place.
Three Queens bring
This line suggests the influence and power of supernatural female figures in the story.
The new born King.
This line refers back to Arthur, perhaps indicating that his rise to power and leadership is being blessed or supported by powerful magical forces.
From Merlin's Magik
This line introduces another legendary figure, Merlin, and hints at his importance in the story being told.
The stones were placed
This line hints at the idea of ancient and powerful stone structures, which are common in Celtic mythology and linked to Druidic rituals.
He raised the mist
This line further emphasizes Merlin's power and implies that he is capable of manipulating nature and even hiding things from view.
Opened the gates.
This line suggests that Merlin's actions are somehow unlocking or starting a sequence of events that will lead to Arthur's rise to power.
From crystal waters
This line introduces the idea of a magical body of water, which is another common motif in Celtic mythology and often tied to spiritual power.
The Lady's Lake
This line refers to the Lady of the Lake, a powerful and often mysterious figure in Celtic mythology who is associated with ancient swords and other weapons.
Did rise the sword
This line describes a magical sword, possibly Excalibur, which is a central element of the Arthurian legend.
Of Midgar's fate.
This line suggests that the sword has a destiny or purpose that is intertwined with Arthur's narrative, and possibly with the fate of the entire kingdom.
There once was a time
This line introduces the idea of a historical period that is both remembered and revered, implying that the events being narrated are part of a larger cultural memory.
When devine light shown
This line suggests that the historical period being described was one marked by enlightenment, perhaps in a spiritual or mystical sense.
And the Lady of the Lake
This line brings back the idea of the Lady of the Lake, who is seen as a powerful and benevolent figure in this context.
Raised the sword of the Throne.
This line again references Excalibur, further emphasizing its importance in the narrative.
And the wind shall howl
This line suggests a sense of foreboding or warning, as if something ominous is approaching.
Totentanz
This line is likely a reference to the medieval concept of the 'dance of death,' which was a common theme in art and literature of the time.
Einhereir of Valhalla
This line refers to the warriors from Valhalla, the mythical hall of the Norse god Odin where brave warriors who die in battle are said to feast and fight forever.
Rise
This line suggests a call to action or battle cry, possibly indicating that the approaching danger has arrived.
Valhallan warriors
This line brings back the idea of the Valhalla warriors, further emphasizing their importance in the narrative.
Ride by his side
This line suggests that Arthur is a respected and admired leader who is capable of inspiring loyalty and bravery in others.
The Dragon mist
This line introduces a new fantastical element, the 'dragon mist,' which could symbolize danger or chaos.
Crawls through the night.
This line creates an ominous sense of movement and foreboding, indicating that the situation is becoming more desperate or dangerous.
Avalon's iron gates
This line suggests that Avalon, a mythical place associated with rebirth and eternal life, may play a role in the narrative.
No longer cry
This line implies that something has changed in the narrative and that the gates of Avalon are no longer a barrier or obstacle.
Einherierer
This line is a variation of the earlier phrase 'Einherier of Valhalla,' further emphasizing the importance of these warriors in the story being told.
Storm to the fight.
This line suggests that the battle or conflict that has been foreshadowed is about to take place and that the Einherier are getting ready to engage.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheKillingJoke
For all the tortured
And all the slaves
Arthur did rise
On the Ninth Wave
To rule the Britains
And lead the brave
Out of the darkness
Of their day
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King
From Merlin's Magik
The stones were placed
He raised the mist
Opened the gates
From crystal waters
The Lady's Lake
Did rise the sword
Of Midgar's fate
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King
There once was a time
When devine light shown
And the Lady of the Lake
Raised the sword of the Throne
And the wind shall howl
Totentanz
Einhereir of Valhalla
Rise
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King
Valhallan warriors
Ride be his side
The Dragon mist
Crawls through the night
Avalon's iron gates
No longer cry
Einherierer
Storm to the fight
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King
Семён Семёнов
For me Mark Shelton is a true hero.
No matter what, he was just served his muses till the end, never betraying his ideals.
True musician, true warrior, true artist.
May your spiritual journey be as spectacular, as your heritage, you left in this world!
Birillo Head
And on top of it all, the sweetest guy you'll ever meet. What s legend
D G
Well said!
Ciarán O'Neill
Perfectly put brother! Mark is a true musical champion and one of the great heros of the Heavy Metal underground, may his musical legacy live on for many an age to come
Cory Wilson
Met the dude dressed as Smiling Jack and without missing a beat...as if by magic...he called me Eddy instead... :P Great Guy
TheKillingJoke
For all the tortured
And all the slaves
Arthur did rise
On the Ninth Wave
To rule the Britains
And lead the brave
Out of the darkness
Of their day
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King
From Merlin's Magik
The stones were placed
He raised the mist
Opened the gates
From crystal waters
The Lady's Lake
Did rise the sword
Of Midgar's fate
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King
There once was a time
When devine light shown
And the Lady of the Lake
Raised the sword of the Throne
And the wind shall howl
Totentanz
Einhereir of Valhalla
Rise
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King
Valhallan warriors
Ride be his side
The Dragon mist
Crawls through the night
Avalon's iron gates
No longer cry
Einherierer
Storm to the fight
Dragonships
Rise from the sea
Three Queens bring
The new born King
Alicia's Castle
Without a doubt one of the greatest epics in heavy metal. Mark was a true artist, and shined as bright and hot as he possibly could and left us an incredible, massive body of work that generations to come will enjoy and be moved by. Manilla Road's music is a spark of magic in a mundane world. Thank you for everything, Shark. Rest in Peace.
Brandon Munson
Absolutely! Thank you...
Fabrice Lambot
such an amazing band! Mark we miss you so much !!! Manilla Road changed my life and my brother's, we were teenagers in late 84 when Open The Gates was released here in France, and it immediately became one of our favorite albums of all times !
Chibro
cool story bro