David Shankle was guitarist for MANOWAR between 1988 and 1994. The band's first album 'Ashes To Ashes' surfaced in June of 2003. Japanese versions on the Avalon Marquee label added two extra tracks 'Daydreams' and 'Jezebel'. The group made their live debut on 12th July at the 'Railroad Days' festival at Reed Keppler Park, Chicago, Illinois. Singer vocalist Trace Edward Zaber bowed out in February of 2004. In July it would be reported the band was working with the MASI, ANIMAL, BIRD OF PREY, the GEEZER BUTLER BAND and RAVAGE credited Kyle Michaels. However, shortly afterward Michaels moved on, duly forging his own ROSEWATER project. Michaels resurrected the BIRD OF PREY band name in May of 2005.

The band announced the addition of bassist Brent Sullivan, of SPIRIT WEB, WINTERKILL, MINDWARP CHAMBER and NDX, to the group's ranks in April 2009.