Metal Vocalist Marc Lopes Reflects on Manowar Legacy, Let Us Prey's Future

The singer discusses his time with Ross the Boss, the blues roots of Manowar, and the creative process behind his new project's 'cyber tech thrash core' sound.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:20pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring shattered glass and metal fragments in a dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting setup, conveying the raw, aggressive energy of Marc Lopes' metal music.The jagged, gritty textures of Marc Lopes' innovative metal project Let Us Prey capture the raw power and experimental edge of the genre's future.Brooklyn Today

In a candid interview, metal vocalist Marc Lopes opens up about his deep connection to the music of Manowar, the honor of performing the band's classic songs with Ross the Boss, and the evolution of his new project Let Us Prey. Lopes reflects on the blues influences that underpinned Manowar's epic sound, the challenge of finding his own voice while honoring the legacy of legendary singer Eric Adams, and the spontaneous creative process behind Let Us Prey's genre-blending 'cyber tech thrash core' style. With a new single 'In Nameless Blood' out now, Lopes shares his excitement for the band's future and teases upcoming live shows.

Why it matters

As one of the most iconic and influential heavy metal acts of all time, Manowar holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. Lopes' insights into the blues roots and epic grandeur of the band's music, as well as his personal connection to their legacy, offer a unique perspective that illuminates the enduring power of this pioneering metal group. Additionally, Let Us Prey's innovative sonic approach represents an exciting new chapter in Lopes' career, blending classic metal influences with modern production and a bold, experimental edge.

The details

Lopes first joined Ross the Boss's solo project after the dissolution of Manowar, taking on the daunting task of honoring the band's legendary vocalist Eric Adams while putting his own stamp on the material. He describes the emotional experience of performing Manowar classics like 'Heart of Steel' and 'Hail and Kill,' which held deep personal significance for him growing up. Lopes also delves into the surprising blues foundations underlying Manowar's epic sound, noting how Ross the Boss's guitar work was rooted in that genre. When it came time to launch his own band Let Us Prey, Lopes embraced a more experimental, genre-blending approach, coining the term 'cyber tech thrash core' to capture the project's sonic diversity. He details the collaborative songwriting process with guitarist John Sankey, where Lopes acts as the 'architect' building upon Sankey's riff ideas. The result is the band's new single 'In Nameless Blood,' which Lopes is excited to support with upcoming live shows.

  • Lopes first joined Ross the Boss's solo project after the dissolution of Manowar.
  • Lopes performed with Ross the Boss for nearly a decade, from the late 2000s through the late 2010s.
  • Let Us Prey's new single 'In Nameless Blood' was recently released.

The players

Marc Lopes

A veteran metal vocalist known for his work with bands like Meliah Rage, Metal Church, and most recently, Ross the Boss and Let Us Prey.

Ross the Boss

The co-founder and guitarist of the iconic heavy metal band Manowar, who Lopes collaborated with in his solo project after the band's dissolution.

John Sankey

The guitarist and co-writer for Lopes' current band Let Us Prey, with whom he has developed the project's unique 'cyber tech thrash core' sound.

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What they’re saying

“It's so great. It's so unique because it's blues. It's totally blues.”

— Marc Lopes, Vocalist

“I mean, 'Hail and Kill' was like the theme song of my life when I was a kid. And to be able to do that stuff with Ross, the guy that put it together”

— Marc Lopes, Vocalist

“We were laughing. I was like, no mistakes. One little thing I think nobody would hardly notice. It was us. I was like, 'Whoa, I can't believe he did that.'”

— Marc Lopes, Vocalist

What’s next

Lopes and Let Us Prey are planning upcoming live shows to support the new single 'In Nameless Blood', with more new music and a full album in the works.

The takeaway

Through his reflections on his time with Manowar and Ross the Boss, as well as the evolution of his own band Let Us Prey, Marc Lopes has demonstrated his deep reverence for heavy metal's past while also pushing the genre forward with his innovative 'cyber tech thrash core' sound. His passion, versatility, and commitment to honoring metal's roots while charting new sonic territory make him a compelling figure in the modern metal landscape.