Former MANOWAR Guitarist To Issue 'Solo' Debut

DAVID SHANKLE GROUP, the new project formed by former MANOWAR guitarist David Shankle and vocalist Trace Edward Zaber, will release their debut album, "Ashes To Ashes", on June 2 through Magic Circle Music. The CD reportedly features "a broad mix of exceptional heavy metal songs, speedy instrumentals, and epic ballads in true heavy-metal fashion," according to an official press release. "The result is . . . a work that will not only fascinate every metal fan, but will also capture the attention of every demanding musician, who will raise their eyebrows in respect. It's not only David's incredibly fast riffs, it's not only the grand musical epics, but the flawless presentation of the extraordinary skills the musicians (Shankle, Zaber, bassist Brian Gordon, keyboardist Eddy "Shreddy" Bethishou, and drummer Eddie Foltz) have in common, as on the up-tempo opener 'Ashes to Ashes'. The ballad 'Calling All Heroes' is a true masterpiece of composition, with valid chances of becoming a smash hit on all rock-oriented radio stations."

David Shankle was a member of MANOWAR from 1988 to 1995. During those years, David's virtuosic high-speed guitar playing and breathtaking solos thrilled MANOWAR fans around the world. Furthermore, it was David who co-wrote with Joey DeMaio a song that has since become one of the biggest MANOWAR classics — "Master Of The Wind" — released on the gold-certified album "The Triumph Of Steel". David Shankle and MANOWAR formed an excellent liaison, and it is not surprising that leaving MANOWAR was one of the hardest decisions in David's life. Contrary to many of his competitors in the music scene, however, David felt there was more to achieve, more to learn, so he went to Roosevelt Music University in Chicago to study jazz and classical guitar. Now, he is regarded as one of the best guitarists in his field, and has more than a hundred students.