Metal Underground: ‘Metalmorphosis’ review
Band: Praying Mantis
Title: Metalmorphosis
Label: Frontiers Records
Written by: Nicole Fritz
Can join a band, and the NWoBHM Rock like no other, celebrates her 30th Birthday. When an institution such as Praying Mantis has to commit such an occasion, it must be appreciated accordingly. What can better serve as a record number of new candy from the past three decades? Those who still remember the almost two years ago published and still current album ‘Sanctuary’, recalls the will hardly be surprised that this is the two founding members, brothers Chris and Tino Troy, and their brave comrades Andy Burgess, Benjy Reid and Mike Freeland is effortless. Sure, it’s always difficult to interpret a new classic, but if anyone can, then a band that is well over thirty years and remained abundant through lean times and despite the often bitter line-up problems and always faithful to their style could make a distinctive trademark.
From the debut album ‘Time Tells No Lies’, we get on new album three of the biggest hits of the band, namely “Children Of The Earth”, “Lovers To The Grave” and “Panic In The Streets” presented in the new style. Furthermore, here joined by new recordings of two classic “Captured City” (originally on ‘Metal For Muthas, February 1980) and “Praying Mantis” (from the self-titled EP, June 1980) to do so. Just these two songs, but also the three pieces from their debut album, should be interesting for fans of NWOBHM, which later, AOR-flavored creation of the band were not so exciting. Because that is exactly the material that struck the bridge from the melodic hard rock to classic metal and AOR, and Praying Mantis turned into a band that combines all Fanlager today.
The name of the dark horse is to be taken literally. The newly recorded songs are harder than they might have in mind. Listen to them on the first perhaps is not necessarily good, here you have to be open to new ideas.
Even the vocals of Mike Freeland has lost some of the lightheartedness that we expect from him. But the second one is definitely Listen to the taste, and suddenly you want more. Overall, the album seems sterile, more adapted to modern times. But if you listen carefully, we find again the old NWOBHM charm.
Conclusion: Addition perfect musical material of a grand old NWOBHM band. Praying Mantis is a must for any fan, not necessarily an ideal introduction for newcomers to the genre.