Manilla Road are an American heavy metal band from Wichita, Kansas, founded by lead guitarist Mark 'the Shark' Shelton (vocals and guitar) (born December 3, 1957 in Wichita, Kansas, USA). 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 heavier speed/thrash metal sound. The next record was Metal, which began to define the future musical direction of Manilla Road.

Their "classic" sound was solidified with the release of Crystal Logic in 1983.