• Track Listing

Chris Manning is an exceptional guitarist and musician." - Steve Mueller (Mesa/Boogie LTD)

NoLifeTilMetal Records is proud to announce the CD and vinyl release of Texas guitarist Chris Manning's Reach The Sky. The new album is a worthy follow-up to Destination (2020) and once again features vocalist extraordinaire and co-writer, Cris Hodges (Grey Daze, In The End). "Reach The Sky" also features a stellar lineup of guest artists including legendary guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk) on "Fly Over The Walls" as well as the Hungarian-born, fiery blues guitarist Tommy Katona on the instrumental "Texas Smoke". In addition to his contributions to one track, Bruce Kulick served as the album's creative consultant.

Reach The Sky features a great collection of genre-blurring songs combining melodic rock and metal riffs with cinematic soundscapes showcasing Manning's unique approach to songwriting along with his thematic guitar solos. Vocalist Cris Hodges once again delivers catchy hooks showcasing his amazing range and depth as well as his ability to provide the perfect vocal performance for each song.

Fans of Alice in Chains, Lynch Mob, KISS, and King's X will love this album and it's perfect blend of Manning's influences. Rounding out the album's lineup are bassist, Chapman Stick, and keyboardist studio ace Rick Read (Herd Of Instinct, The Zeppelin Project) on 8 tracks and Singapore bassist Dan Hawkins on 2 tracks. Drummer and UK session pro Max Saidi completes the line up.

Nine of the album's tracks were mixed and mastered by Alex Gerst (Empire Sound Recording Studios), a nationally recognized studio producer/engineer, while "Texas Smoke" was mixed by legendary Pantera mix engineer Sterling Winfield (Boot Hill Studios) and mastered by Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound).

As an artist with a wide-variety of musical tastes, Chris Manning's music remains difficult to categorize. Manning was featured in Guitar Player Magazine (Dec 2008) and is also a founding member of The Zeppelin Project, one of the top Zeppelin tributes in Texas.

"Chris Manning is a talented guitarist with a unique style and approach. He is capable of playing his instrument with fluid movements, using his dynamic touch of picking technique and creative chord voicing. His playing excels in his compositions and takes the listener into the colorful 'World of Manning'. Enjoy his music as he truly explores a full rainbow spectrum of color on this new release."

- Bruce Kulick (KISS/Grand Funk)

"Chris Manning is a talented guitarist with a unique style and approach. He is capable of playing his instrument with fluid movements, using his dynamic touch of picking technique and creative chord voicing. His playing excels in his compositions and takes the listener into the colorful 'World of Manning'. Enjoy his music as he truly explores a full rainbow spectrum of color on this new release." - Bruce Kulick (KISS/Grand Funk)

Chris Hodges is an in-demand vocalist and songwriter with credits that include Paramount Music, Sony, MTV, a licensing deal through 411 Music Group as well as a song on the Top Gun II Soundtrack.

Joining Manning & Hodges are UK session pro drummer Max Salidi and ace UK studio bassist Dan Hawkins who provide a top-flight rhythm section for Manning's melodic guitar and Hodge's intense, dynamic vocals. Special guests include legendary KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, vocalist Chandler Mogel (Outloud, Punky Meadows (Angel), Pareidolia), bassist Rick Read (Herd of Instincts, David Gallegos, The Zeppelin Project), and songwriter Tim Beamguard (Highway 31).

As an artist with a wide-variety of musical tastes, Chris Manning's music remains difficult to categorize. His versatile guitar style balances technique and melody.