BAND MEMBERS

GraveReign is the brainchild of David "Shred Demon" Shankle (Manowar, DSG) and Tony "I don't need no damned nickname" Engel (Veilside, ASC)   Longtime friends found the opportunity to write and the resulting effort, "Destination:  Aftermath" was the debut

Tony Engel

LEAD VOCALS

After a short stint in the early 90's, Tony has been a fixture on the Chicago music scene since 2006.  Originally a drummer in Altered State of Consciousness (ASC) from 1990 to 1992, he moved to lead vocals when joining VEILSIDE and has played shows throughout the country and shared the stage with many of the artists he admired growing up.  With Veilside, Tony is on five commercial CD releases. He has also formed a project called Honor Amongst Thieves that does sync licensing for film and television, and has songs that have appeared in several independent films.  With his former Veilside-mate Ron Thomas, Tony has formed BLOCKCHAIN COALITION that has released their debut disc, "The New Normal" as well an upcoming EP with good friend Jeff Menke under the name J&T.  With  Veilside, Tony also hosted Breaking the Silence, a concert series which raises money for autism awareness and helps families navigate the system for assistance and the concert series has raised over $200,000 for the cause.

Tony also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Lewis University, and an MBA in Finance from Kellogg School of Management. (Northwestern University)

Tony is endorsed by Shure Microphones, Hercules stands, and Affliction clothing.  

Tony on facebook

David Shankle

Guitars

David Shankle, "The Shred Demon" of Chicago, formerly of Manowar, is a musical force with his blistering guitar riffs and unique sound.


Currently, David is focused on several musical projects including David & Rhino's Kings of The New Kingdom; DSG (David Shankle Group); GraveReign; Wings of Destiny; and guest appearances by requesting artists. When not shredding on stage or in the studio, David owns Shankle's Music Academy where he trains the next generation of guitar masters.

David was a member of Manowar from 1988 to 1995, playing on the epic, certified-platinum album “The Triumph Of Steel” and co-writing 7 songs including “Master Of The Wind”, “The Burning”, “Metal Warriors”, “Ride the Dragon”, "Glory of Achilles", "Power of Thy Sword", and “Demon’s Whip”.

After leaving Manowar, David attended Roosevelt University in Chicago to improve his jazz and classical guitar skills. Having refined and nearly perfected his craft, David brings years of experience and hard work to the table.

David has received numerous accolades. It was his incredible technique and lightning speed on the guitar that won him the moniker “The Shred Demon”. Such revered artists as Michael Angelo Batio, George Bellas, Rusty Cooley, Tom Hess, Uli Jon Roth, and Joe Stump have testified to David’s prowess. George Bellas has said, “DSG should stand for Dangerous Speed Guitar”.

David is one of the most respected and talented Composers/Guitarists shredding up the metal scene today and was coined as one of the top 10 shredders and fastest guitar players in the world. He is a master of many guitar techniques and is well-known for playing 7-string over-the-neck scales & arpeggios faster than humanly possible.

David has been asked to add his signature sound to dozens of musical projects. His song "The Voyage" was released as a guitar competition game on Clone Hero. Hellfire Hot Sauce released the David Shankle Full Shred mild and Shred Demon hotter flavors stating, "ONE OF THE FASTEST AND HOTTEST GUITAR PLAYERS ON EARTH. DO YOU DARE TO TASTE THIS..."

David has traveled extensively around the world playing to large audiences including an audience of 70,000+ people at the EARTH SHAKER fest. 2005 & 40,000+ people with DSG at The first annual Magic Circle Festival in 2007. David has performed in over 50 countries.

The David Shankle Group (DSG) has released three albums "Ashes to Ashes", "Hellborn" & "Still a Warrior". With the band FEANOR David wrote & co-wrote "Power of The Chosen One" which also featured Sven D'Anna of Wizard on Vocals. With GraveReign, David released "Destination Aftermath" with Tony Engel, formerly of Veilside - and the second release titled "Icon of the Accursed" for 2026.  David has also put together a new project called "Kings of the New Kingdom" and has their debut album currently in the works.  

David is currently an artist endorsee for Viper Signature Guitars The DS6, The DS7 Fafnir Limited Edition, & The DS8; Fractal Audio; Kahler Tremolo, with the DS Shred Vibrato Bar; EMG Pickups; Ernie Ball Guitar Strings; Lizard Spit Guitar Polish; CFG Zero-Gravity Guitar Straps & CFG/CF-80 Mini Wireless System; Sinister Guitar Picks; Morley; and Hellfire Hot Sauce.

 


David is looking forward to releasing new material and bringing his face-melting music to a stage near you.

 

https://www.youtube.com/@ DavidShankle1/videos

https://www.instagram.com/davidshankle/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/dave.shankle 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030914036748
https://www.facebook.com/groups/163830180994983/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063455980168

 

BANDS:

https://www.facebook.com/ groups/3523564301297247
https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UC_9rbEd- KVLpqW8GoPzdIGA

https://www.instagram.com/wingsofdestinyband/?hl=en

wingsofdestinyband.com

https://www.facebook.com/GraveReign 

https://www.gravereignband.com

DAVID ON FACEBOOK

Michael Ray - Drums

Mike Ray lives just to “hit things”.  As a drummer he has played in original and tribute bands from the Chicagoland area throughout the Midwest from intimate venue to outdoor festivals.  

Music that has featured Mike has been played on XM and various other radio stations, and with his former band Ten96 he appeared on Mancow's Madhouse television show.  

Mike is currently honoring the music of Chris Cornell with his tribute band SlaveGarden as well as in original projects Metal Crusaders and our very own GraveReign.  

Mick Lucid

Bass Guitar

Mick Lucid, who was born and raised in Chicago, has worked tirelessly to cement his place in the Chicago music landscape as a formidable force of thunderous, hard hitting bass playing!!! Playing with some of the best musicians in the country over the years, Mick has honed an unmistakable tone and style with influences such as Geezer Butler, Bob Daisley and Tony Franklin. He's brought a huge sound and attitude to every band he's been a part of which includes Damien Thorne, Vicious Circle and Devil Land .  When Mick strikes the strings, be prepared to not only hear the bass....but feel it too!!!!

MICK ON FACEBOOK

Jack Lazor

- Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals

Jack grew up in the Chicago metal scene. As a guitar player, vocalist and  songwriter, in the band Hammeron, he opened for numerous popular acts such as Mötley Crüe, Autograph, Kick Axe,  Helix and LA Guns.

He later joined the band Widows Rose, as the lead vocalist, and the group headed to Arizona to showcase their music. During that time, he became involved with Z Rock Radio Station, as a DJ for the “Industrial Metal Show." He also took part in creating The Killing Crew for Z Rock, the house band, who represented the station playing live at events. Jack was the lead singer with guitarist Robby Lochner.

After a few years, he headed to LA to play the Los Angeles scene. He gathered a group of talented musicians and together they formed the band Double O.D. Jack served as their guitarist, with vocals, as they headlined hot venues like The Roxy.

Jack's blistering guitar riffs and powerful vocals  have placed him on stage with numerous musical top talent including guitarist Robby Lochner (known for Jack Russell's Great White), bassist Jason Ward (of Flotsam & Jetsam), drummer Jeff Ward (of Ministry, Revolting Cocks, LARD, Nine Inch Nails), bassist and reality star Lacey Connor Sculls, and guitarist Phil Campbell (of Motorhead).

Jack did various musical recording gigs with notable names including a project with Miles Copeland playing guitar on the soundtrack for the film "Bloods Dolls" with the sexy Persia White (of "Girlfriends" & "Vampire Diaries" fame) and a commercial spot with KLOS, singing on their radio blood drive PSA.

Jack is currently honoring Chris Cornell in a tribute band, SlaveGarden and happy to be back in an original band shredding with his longtime friends.


 

Jack On Facebook