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ReviewsLast Modified On 21 Mar 2009This page has the following reviewsHarx Roxx Magazine
From Hard Roxx Magazine Issue 36Hard 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 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 AOR Land ReviewThe following review was written by Roger Brosel on his AOR LAND - THE MUSIC OF OUR LIVES PagesRating 81% This legends of the NWOBHM, now stablished in the Japanese market, have released a new record. "Forever in Time" was not what I expected. In fact it's better!. If you have been enjoying Balance of Power or Royal Hunt records in the last years, this Praying Mantis cd is a must in your list. From the opener "Wasted Years" you can hear that the British Metal guitars have found a new friend in the rather espectacular keyboards that appart from adding a more epical feel, give Praying Mantis a more embracing sound. The second track "The Messiah" has some Rainbow (Dio era) elements. "Blood Of An Angel" is a Melodic Rock tune with a Royal Hunt flavour all over it and "Remember My Name" start subtely to progresively turn into a great power ballad. The great keyboards appear once again in the wonderful "The Day The Sun Turned Cold" which is an up-tempo rocker with a twin guitars solo and a kind of Gamma Ray singalong chorus. I hope this record gets European distribution because is good enough to attract severals fans over here. Great epic melodic rock. |
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