From Hard Roxx Magazine Issue 36

Hard Roxx Magazine can be order my E-mailing Hard Roxx's Owners. As of issue 36 the Magazine cost 4 UK Pounds in the UK (4.50 Europe, 5 pounds the Rest of the World) and comes with a sampler CD of new music.

PRAYING MANTIS
Forever in Time
Pony Canyon 01257

It has been a few years since we last heard from the brothers Troy, Tino and Chris respectively, and early reports were indicating that this was going to be one of the year's top records. The first thing that I noticed is that Gary Barden (ex MSG, Statetrooper) has relinquished the mike stand and the new guy is a chap by the name of Tony O'Hora. Gosh, that name seems awfully familiar, but for the life of me I can't place it. Anyway, this is no less than the fourth vocalist in the Mantis fold in the last few years and the guys really find themselves in need of an identifiable frontman. Colin Peel and Mark-Thompson Smith seemed ideal, but for what-ever reasons neither stuck around for more than an album each. Barden was just a little too worn around the edges for my liking, but I do believe the boys have landed a crown jewel in Mr. O'Hora, no better example being opening track, 'Wasted Years' which starts out with some classic twin guitar harmonies from Dennis Stratton and Tino Troy, which has become synonymous with the Mantis sound.

It is here the listener is first treated to the magnificent vocals of Tony O'Hora. What a song! What production! What a voice! 'The Messiah' showcases the vocal dexterity of O'Hora and the silky smooth vocal harmonies of the Troy Brothers and Big Dennis Stratton. 'Best Years' has tons and tons of swirling keyboards and builds into one of the best penned Praying Mantis tunes ever!! The guitar work is razor sharp and the rhythm section of Bruce Bisland and Chris Troy provide the perfect backdrop for the keys and those killer vocals. 'Blood Of An Angel' hearkens to mind the classic 'Cry For the New World' album and O'Hora puts forth the best vocal performance on a Praying Mantis record since Colin Peel sang his nuts off on the aforementioned platter. Other standouts include 'Valley Of The Kings', 'Man Behind The Mask' and 'The Day The Sun Turned Cold'

Actually out of the ten cuts on tap here, there isn't one shred of filler. Will garner some contention for album of the year in my book and surely will make my top ten, and hats off to Tino and Chris Troy for coming up with the best new vocal talent I've heard this year. Steve Harris, are you listening?

10/10 Tom Coyne

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