In the meantime the album which was already reemerged in Japan in 1996 should be available everywhere in Germany also. Admittedly only as single CD. Additionally to this rather slim version in Japan there was also a limited edition double CD launched, which contains over 33 minutes of extra music, divided in 7 tracks.

Next to all songtexts in the detailed booklet there is an additive booklet in a bigger format with many images to be marvelled. And because this is not enough, you also get a 1995 backstage pass with it!

The sound is felicitous and the performance of the band ist good to very good. Only one doesn't fit in here: singer Gary Barden has only a limited voice volume what heists some songs their special feeling. A pity, because whoever of the other band members would have sung this, he would surely have done better. The sound material is not without defects, either: what do we need 7 songs of the fair "To The Power Of Ten" opus for, when alltime classics such as "Running For Tomorrow", "Time Slipping Away" or "Battle Royal" are missing?

But neither singing nor song selection manage to rob the double CD its flair. "CAPTURED ALIVE" does not only belong in every sensible PRAYING MANTIS collection, also all the other fans of AOR / NWoBHM should hedge this section of a great band. With song classics like "Turn The Tables", "Victory", "Angry Man", "Flirting With Suicide" or "Captured City" it's meldoic at its best!

In Japan this limited edition is long sold out! At Hellion records you can still save this gem. Who wants or can do without the texts can also buy only the European licenced pressing.

(THE MIGHTY SCI!)

Music: -/-

Sound: 7,0

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