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Clearly one of the more distinguishable and unique bands to be lumped
in with the NWOBHM movement, the only explanation for Praying Mantis'
lack of initial popularity I can possibly think of is bad timing. If
this album had been released several years earlier, before England's
metal scene had been taken over by the punkish attitude of NWOBHM
rockers, I believe it would have been considered among the upper echelon
of Brit metal, right up there with melodic metallists UFO and maybe
Rainbow. As for the album itself, Time Tells No Lies is definitely on
the commercial side, though this is not a bad thing at all, as their
unique blend of harmony, melody and crunch makes for a powerful yet
uplifting style of heavy music. Perhaps not too far removed from
countrymen Tokyo Blade, or late 70s-era UFO. The album kicks off with
"Cheated", a Thin Lizzy-reminiscent rocker with a great harmonized
chorus. In fact, each and every song on this disc features some of the
catchiest choruses I've heard in a long time, similar to what you might
find on Iron Maiden's classic The Number of the Beast. Track three,
"Rich City Kids" is a sure highlight. Right from the start there is a
powerful riff and some great harmony. Sometimes this record makes me
feel like I am listening to UFO's "Lights Out", though it is purely
original and by no means a copycat. The fourth track, "Lovers To the
Grave" is one of the album's biggest highlights. It is a power ballad in
the truest sense of the term. The acoustic guitar plays a sad, earnest
melody while Tino Troy's powerful, understated vocal performance carries
the music along. The lyrics are heartfelt and realistic, a drastic
comparison to the typical NWOBHM of the day. By the time you've reached
this track, you can start to realize this really isn't a NWOBHM record
after all. It is simply too polished and well constructed to be
associated with that style. But, that simply makes the album all the
more impressive a listen. Track six, "Beads of Ebony" contains my
absolute favorite moment of the album. It, too, could be called a
ballad, but it is slightly more heavy and less moody than "Lovers To the
Grave." The chorus in this song is simply outstanding; the kind you find
yourself singing over and over again. This proves that when they are at
their best, Praying Mantis are able to compare with rock giants like
Thin Lizzy or UFO. Track eight, "Children of the Earth" closes the album
with yet another fabulous, melodic, hard-rocking tune. Another simply
outstanding harmonized chorus can be found here. Fans of '70s hard rock
will surely appreciate this album and embrace it like the lost gem of
melodic rock'n'roll that it is.
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