DAVID SHANKLE GROUP ‘Ashes To Ashes’ Review by
http://www.themetalcircus.com/

David Shankle, former Manowar guitar wizard has returned with a group under his own name.  Their debut effort entitled “Ashes to Ashes” is a great piece indeed.  As a fan of Manowar I can honestly tell you that while this band holds some similar themes it is by no means a clone of Manowar music.  The DSG has more in common with that of Iron Maiden or Queensryche for that matter.  I felt this is good since it allows the band its own identity seperate from that of Manowar.   In my humble opinion it allowed Dave’s work in Manowar to remain special and his new DSG material has a chance to rise to success on it’s own.

Songs of note or at least my favorites are as follows:  “Ashes To Ashes”, “Curse Of The Pharoah”, “Calling All Heroes”, “Tolling Of The Bell” and “Madness”.  There is also a killer instrumental called “Voice Of Authority”.  David leads the group on guitar while he is joined by Trace Edward Zaber (vocals), Eddy “Shreddy” Bethishou (keyboards), Brian Gordon (Bass), and Eddie Foltz (Drums).  The group holds their own and is quite talented, Dave did good in picking them out.

Some cool little addition is the fact that the videos for “Ashes To Ashes” and “Calling All Heroes” are included on this CD.  A nice inclusion which makes purchasing it all that better.  I rated this CD on the high side because I found almost every number catchy and energetic.  It is very easy to find oneself playing this CD a few times after purchase.

NEWS:  This release does not come without some news.  Lead Singer Trace Edward is taking a leave from the band and that means if you have what it takes to make the cut you should go to the website and submit an audition press kit.  Make sure you mention to the band that you heard of the job from The Metal Circus.

8/10 Review by: Ken Pierce

Featured Article: Michael Angelo Batio talks about David Shankle
"David is a fantastic guitarist with lightning speed and a variety of highly technical virtuoso techniques ” Quotes Michael Angelo Batio. Click here to read more

Featured Article: David Shankle talks about Michael Angelo Batio
“Michael is truly a one of a kind and will always be one of my favorites! “ – David Shankle. Click here to read more

Nuclear Blast - Monsters Of Metal The Ultimate Metal Compilation Double DVD

Featuring The David Shankle Group video “Ashes to Ashes”. Watch as Dave fantastically shreds over the neck on his custom ESP 29 Fret Stealth Flying V!

DAVID SHANKLE GROUP: Interview with Vocalist Trace Zaber
Metal Inside

DAVID SHANKLE GROUP ‘Ashes To Ashes’ Review by
http://www.aor-europe.com/

"Ashes To Ashes, Lust To Lust" Well, someone apperently rewrote the whole concept of funerals I believe??? Some of you out there may remember David Shankle as the Manowar guitarist from the years of 1988-1995. This is Shankle's return to the scene and his CD is filled with virtuosic high-speed guitar playing and metal hymns. Wimps and posers better leave this review etc. etc.

After leaving Manowar, David went to Roosevelt Music University in Chicago to study jazz and classical guitar. The music of "Ashes To Ashes" is of course related to his previous act, especially since Joey DeMaio both produced and released it. Indeed, this epic sounding album is published by DeMaio's own label Magic Circle Music (with the help of Nuclear Blast).

Do not expect this to be just another "Manowar" album though. Lead vocalist Trace Edward Zaber is obviously more inspired by Rob Halford (Judas Priest) than say Eric Adams. The main difference is however keyboardist Eddie "Shreddy" Bethishou and his marvelous work at the ivory's and ebony's. You'll notice flashy duels between him and Shankle all over this CD and this gives a totally different dimension over the material. Without the keys this would have been just another metal album, now it's more progressive with neo-classical influences. "Ashes To Ashes" features a broad mix of pure metal, some classic rock of Rainbow, speedy instrumentals, and neo-classical songs. The title and opening track do actually sound like Yngwie Malmsteen on steroids somehow, while "Secrets" reminded me a lot of Judas Priest in the late 70's/early 80's. "Back To Heaven" show a lot in common with the most uptempo tracks by Rainbow (Spotlight Kid). The lovely ballad "Calling All Heroes" could almost have been a TNT (!!!) song in the 80's. "The Tolling Of The Bell" is a great power metal tune a'la Manowar though and the rest of the material, is solid power metal without any major up's or down's. Shankle's playing is more impressive here than during all his years with Manowar and the classical influences really shines through. The variety of music on this album is indeed a nice suprise and the result is quite good.

7 Reviewed by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Many of you will remember the name David Shankle from the 1988-1995 era Manowar, During those years, David’s virtuosic high-speed guitar playing and breathtaking solos thrilled Manowar fans around the world. Now he returns with this, his debut album for his DSG.

The album features a broad mix of truly great heavy metal songs, speedy instrumentals and epic ballads, all in true heavy metal fashion. Not only does it stick to that pattern, it also includes jazz and classical influences, the variety of styles on show here is definitely an advantage to the band, it's sure to fascinate any metal fan.

I can say every track on the album stands out. From the up-tempo opener "Ashes to Ashes" to the beautiful composition "Calling all Hero's" and, for me the best track on the album, the heavy chugging of "The Tolling of the Bells". This could well win the Power Metal album of the Year.
Rating: 9.5/10

‘Ashes To Ashes’ storms in with the keys played at almost as frantic pace as the guitars! Vocalist Zaber is a classic metal singer, plenty of power in the voice and screams when needed. Like the title sequencing as well, with mellow ‘The Widow’s Grief’ quickly followed by ‘The Widow’s Peak’! The ballad ‘Calling All Heroes’ is a well-crafted song, from the ‘call to arms’ chorus line and slow building backing. Manowar without the loincloths if you will. Other standouts include the dark and brooding ‘The Tolling Of The Bell’, where Shankle’s riffs are very heavy and rumbling. ‘Madness’ sees those keys flying away again - how the heck do you keep that speed of playing up? Shankle closes the album with a fretboard workout on ‘Voice Of Authority’. No real duff tracks here and the album does not outstay its welcome.

A very powerful album, very well played and the songs to back it up. Stars of the show are Shankle’s guitars and the keys of Eddie ‘Shreddy’. Live, this band will be awesome judging by the sheer intensity of the songs on here.

David Shankle Group Kills ! Fan Review -

I was so curious to find out how the David Shankle Group was going to sound ? Would it be a little like Manowar, would it sound very much like Manowar, or sound exactly like Manowar! I really really wanted to know. Well, to my surprise, this CD, Ashes to Ashes, has many similar qualities to Manowar. Musically it could pass for a Manowar album, although the bass lines are not prominent, they are there.

Musically speaking this CD sounds like it could pass for a Manowar record. The riffs are lean and mean, the guitars are speedy, and melodic. Their is a keyboardist in the band, so that gives Shankle room to strech out and do some keyboard/guitar duals/solos. Let me say when this band smokes 'em, they got 'em! There are hints of jazz and classical sounds throughout this album, and it's only natural since Dave Shankle has studied jazz and classical music since his days in Manowar.

Davids vocalist (and more importantly song co-writer) Trace Zaber, is one hell of a vocalist. Not at all like Eric Adams, just a very strong singer not in the range screaching or annoying, just very smooth tone, and just plain metal awesome !

Now lyrically, this album has many elements of Manowar with dragons and kings themes, stuff like that, but they lyrics are so well written. Every song is a highlight, from the fantastic opener, one-two punch of Ashes to Ashes and A Raven at Midnight, settling into the smooth Widow's Grief and Peak songs, through the ending of Voice of Authority. Every song cooks, all killer, no filler. The record in it's entirety to rock solid, from beginning to end. Fans of Manowar, your ears will salivate over this!! I am glad David Shankle is back on the metal scene, I personally feel he was Manowar's best guitarist, and Triumph of Steel was Manowar's best ever album!!

David Shankle Kills!!!

David,

I wanted to thank you again for performing at the 2003 Railroad Days in West Chicago. Your performance was flawless and your energy was over the top. As the Executive Director of the West Chicago Chamber and organizer of the event, it was such a pleasure to reintroduce you to your hometown. I have had people calling for months now wanting to know where they can see you again and I would also like to know. David, I go to concerts regularly, most recently to Anthrax and Sevendust to name a few. While no disrespect is meant to these bands, they have a long way to go to reach the level of DSG. I have never heard the guitar execute such technical accuracy; metal heart and lightning speed...you are the Master.

What ever you are waiting for to unleash this masterpiece "Ashes to Ashes" to the public in live performances, all I can say is...it's time to open the metal gates to DSG now, the public is waiting.

Your Friend,

David J. Sabathne' Executive Director
West Chicago Chamber of Commerce & Industry

DAVID SHANKLE GROUP ‘Ashes To Ashes’
Nuclear Blast NB11242 (2003)

" ‘Ashes To Ashes’ storms in with the keys played at almost as frantic pace as the guitars! Vocalist Zaber is a classic metal singer, plenty of power in the voice and screams when needed. Like the title sequencing as well, with mellow ‘The Widow’s Grief’ quickly followed by ‘The Widow’s Peak’! The ballad ‘Calling All Heroes’ is a well-crafted song, from the ‘call to arms’ chorus line and slow building backing. Manowar without the loincloths if you will. Other standouts include the dark and brooding ‘The Tolling Of The Bell’, where Shankle’s riffs are very heavy and rumbling. ‘Madness’ sees those keys flying away again - how the heck do you keep that speed of playing up? Shankle closes the album with a fretboard workout on ‘Voice Of Authority’. No real duff tracks here and the album does not outstay its welcome "

****
Review by Jason Ritchie

DAVID SHANKLE GROUP: "Ashes To Ashes" 7
Nuclear Blast/Magic Circle Music 2003
Review by Urban "Wally" Wallstrom 5 June 2003

" Do not expect this to be just another "Manowar" album though. Lead vocalist Trace Edward Saber is obviously more inspired by Rob Halford (Judas Priest) than say Eric Adams. The main difference is however keyboardist Eddie "Shreddy" Bethishou and his marvelous work at the ivory's and ebony's. You'll notice flashy duels between him and Shankle all over this CD and this gives a totally different dimension over the material. Without the keys this would have been just another metal album, now it's more progressive with neo-classical influences. "Ashes To Ashes" features a broad mix of pure metal, some classic rock of Rainbow, speedy instrumentals, and neo-classical songs."

"With DSG the former Manowar string-wizard presents a monsterous debut. a must have for all Power Metal fans!"
Sven Lohnert,