Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Manilla Road - Crystal Logic (1983)

Now we are talking!  A few albums in life define genres perfectly.  In the quest for true, classic and authentic epic heavy metal if you do not find yourself lead to Manilla Road then you are clearly on the wrong path.  Crystal Logic is a rarefied slab of 70's rock infused with NWOBHM and humongous riffs of labyrinth like proportions.  Add to it the perfect nerd value of the vocals and their exaggerated, theatrical musings over fantasy themed lyrics.  Who doesn't want to hear:

"Upon the Island of Damnation

The Horde of Hades screams and wails

The blood of life and execution

Has put back light into the Veils"

There's a good chance many are put off by the vocals.  However, I cannot think of any better requirement for a sneering and at times clunky vocal accompaniment to the chronicles that are written for this record.  Despite the largely nasal sound to them there is still range in Mark Shelton's vocals here.  There's a gruff bark to them where required and the odd scream to add further drama to the performance.  Manilla Road would not be the band that we all know them to be without Shelton's unique style and the metal world lost a true legend when he passed in 2018.  On Crystal Logic he not only entertains with his vocal talents he also provides all six (and twelve) string action as well as being chief songwriter.

Far from putting bassist Scott Park and drummer Rick Fisher in the shadow of their leader, they take the opportunity to place optimum focus on their individual performances.  The sound has a really full, complete and powerful feel overall as a result.  Although I do feel the drums are a little low in the mix it is still on the side of being the correct balance.  The subtlety of the percussion adds dimension to an album that relies on no keyboards for atmospherics.  The whole album feels grimy and dank yet has an energy to it that belies what you may interpret to be its intended mood.

I can even forgive John Jinks' artwork.  Basic though it is, there is still a vibrancy to it that kind of sums up the record brilliantly.  I have the 2013 remaster (which may explain the drums) that has a second disc showcasing unreleased songs, rehearsals and live tracks which is a great addition to the regular release.