Praying Mantis – Astoria – 4 November 2005

On 4th November 2005 Praying Mantis played their first show for nearly 5
years in a show celebrating, somewhat incorrectly, the 25th anniversary of the
New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. During the five years since the last gig the
band had reduced down to a nucleus of 3 and released "The
Journey Goes On". With the band being down to a basic trio it wasn't easy to
get a band together to play live. It was therefore fantastic that this show came
off. Not only that but it seems to have been a catalyst for renewed enthusiasm
within the band.

According to Tino at the gig with ten days to go to the show the band were
going to pull out. Luckily Damian Wilson (Vocals) and Benji Reid (Drums) stepped
into the breech and the band were able to put on a great show.

For the first time since the Bernie Shaw era of the Mid-80's Praying Mantis
performed as a 5 piece with just Tino Troy on Guitar and Leon Lawson on
keyboards. Dennis Stratton had planned to make the gig but at the last minute
had to pull out due to Illness.

The result was a unique Mantis performance with the songs approached in a
fresh way to the Tony O'Hora era.

Damian Wilson is a very strong vocalist and his delivery of vocal lines was
very different to Tony's. If Praying Mantis can keep his services for the next
album it will be a cracker.

I personally liked the fact Tino seemed freer to solo since he didn't have
two worry about a 2nd guitar. It also gave Leon a chance to shine more on
keyboards. I like the twin guitar sound and overall would prefer it but the part
I missed most about Dennis Stratton not being there was his vocal contributions.

Drums are not something I am able to comment on so I hope others will send in
a review of the gig that I can add here. I do know the Benji was really
struggling to keep going during the 45 minute set as sickness bug had got him
too and he was still very weak from it.

With Dennis missing on backing vocals Chris Troy more noticeably took the
lead vocal for the start section of "Lovers To The Grave". Damian joined in for
the heavier "Oh Lord" section. From where I was it was also great to hear Chris
well up in the mix. It is easy to forget how complex Chris's bass playing can be
sometimes.

The set list was:

Can't See The Angels
A Cry For The New World
Best Years
Lovers To The Grave
Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark
Rise Up Again
Turn The Tables

I could be wrong but I believe this was the first time "Don't Be Afraid" had
been played since the "To the Power Of Ten" tour in 1995. The set list therefore
nicely represented the bands output up to the "Forever In Time" album. Sadly
there has never been full opportunity to incorporate the songs from the last two
albums into the set.

This shot was taken by Eileen Handley

Mantis have been offered a worldwide record deal for the next album and they
have a potential strong solid band again. They are now actively looking for gigs
again so things are looking up again after a rather lean period. Keep your
fingers crossed that things work out!