Andrew Coss — Rare Footage & Clips
The Wichita, Kansas scene of the late 1970s was a cauldron of creative ferment, where the boundaries between hard rock, psychedelic rock, and progressive rock were being pushed to their limits. It's here that Andrew Coss first emerged as a key figure in the burgeoning heavy metal movement, his work with Manilla Road helping to define the sound of an entire generation.
Coss's involvement with Manilla Road is not well-documented, but it's clear from the band's early output that they were experimenting with a unique blend of styles. The 1977 single "Mystification" is a prime example of this eclecticism, its fusion of Eastern influences and proto-metal riffs laying the groundwork for the more refined sound that would come to define Manilla Road.
By the time Crystal Logic dropped in 1983, Coss's influence was already evident. The album's sprawling, conceptual style – which drew heavily on mythological themes and pulp fiction tropes – was a major departure from the band's earlier work. And yet, it's precisely this eclecticism that would come to define Manilla Road's later sound.
Coss's role in shaping this new direction is impossible to overstate. His songwriting style, which blended elements of fantasy literature and mythology with a healthy dose of humor, helped to establish the band as one of the most innovative and exciting acts of the mid-80s. And it's no coincidence that Crystal Logic – with its sprawling narrative and Coss-inspired song titles like "Crystal Logic" and "Black Lotus" – is still widely regarded as one of Manilla Road's standout releases.
As the 1980s wore on, Manilla Road continued to push the boundaries of what was possible in heavy metal. Open the Gates (1985) and The Deluge (1986) saw the band refining their sound, incorporating more complex time signatures and intricate instrumental arrangements into their music. And it's here that Coss's influence is most pronounced – his songwriting style, which emphasized atmosphere and texture over straightforward aggression, helped to create a sense of depth and complexity that set Manilla Road apart from their peers.
Of course, not everyone was convinced by Manilla Road's new direction. Some critics saw the band as overly pretentious or self-indulgent, while others dismissed them as mere poseurs. But for those who were willing to take the time to immerse themselves in Coss's fantastical worlds – worlds that drew on everything from Robert E. Howard's Conan stories to H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos – Manilla Road offered something truly unique and innovative.
Despite their critical reputation, Manilla Road's mid-80s output was a major commercial success. The band achieved moderate success with several well-received releases, including Crystal Logic, Open the Gates, and The Deluge. And it's here that Coss's influence is most evident – his songwriting style, which emphasized atmosphere and texture over straightforward aggression, helped to create a sense of depth and complexity that set Manilla Road apart from their peers.
But as the 1990s dawned, Manilla Road began to fall on hard times. A major breakup in 1992 left the band reeling, and it wasn't until the mid-90s – when Mark Shelton reformed the group without co-founder Scott Park or a record label – that they began to pick up the pieces.
In the years that followed, Manilla Road's output was sporadic at best. They took gigs in underground mid-western shows, but it wasn't until 2013 – with the release of their comeback album Mysterium – that they finally started to rebuild their audience. And yet, despite this long hiatus, Coss's influence remains a key part of Manilla Road's sound.
Today, Andrew Coss is still active in the music scene, his work with Manilla Road continuing to inspire new generations of metalheads. And it's here that we see the full extent of his significance – not just as a musician or songwriter, but as a true innovator and trailblazer in the world of heavy metal.
Curated from public records and music databases.
