Praying Mantis
                                                                                                              Label: Frontier Records
                                                                                                              Release Date: August 21st
Praying Mantis will always mean a lot to this reviewer,they really were one of the first bands that got me into Heavy Metal along with Tobruk, Motorhead and Iron Maiden to name but a few. Unlike Iron Maiden Praying Mantis never really became as huge ,which is a shame but they have always held my interest and that of many others , they have a huge following.
“Legacy” is the bands tenth album .and the response from people who have been lucky enough to have heard some their new tracks are  that this could be the bands best ever release.

 

“Legacy” is the first recording to feature the two new members, Jaycee Cuijpers and Hans in’t Zandt (vocals and drums respectively), Together with guitarists Tino Troy   Andy Burgess, and Chris Troy on Bass the band will be releasing this Metal delight mid August.

Opening with the highly uplifting “Fight For Your Honor” its Melodic Metal magnificence it's absorbing with a singalong chorus it is an instantly addictive  song that’s  going to be wicked live , it’s a punch the air anthem to rock out to,  a song I have played again and again before listening to the rest of the opus. “The One” is pure and simply a Melodic monster where Jaycee Cuijpers excels himself with soaring vocals mixed in with sublime riffs and beats. “Believable” is a dramatic number that will sate the Mantis Army who have had to wait since 2009 for a new release , well this track fits right in ,and will be seen as a classic Praying  Mantis song in no time as will the highlight for me on here “Tokyo” backed by the Troy brothers on the choruses it’s a Far Eastern journey ,as the band sweep and soar  taking you through the night at 4am in the land of the Rising Sun.

 

“Better Man” gave me goosebumps , it’s a thought provoking ballad that pleases and really shows the world there is life in these ageing rockers ,simply the strongest Ballad I have heard in a very very long time .

“All I See” glides  floating over the mountainous terrain of Melodic Heaven simply put ,its glorious. “Eyes of a Child” oozes class ,its harmonies mesh into something jaw droppinly outstanding.

“The Runner” sees the band reaching for Gold not only do they win it they have you sweating and reaching the final furlong with some fiery guitar licks and drums beating with the pounding of your heart , this is going on my ipod for the gym right away, an excellent song to motivate and take you into the Metal zone.

 

“Against The World” like the Album opener sees the band deliver a heavier stance ,rocking the core of the world its a sure fire winner. 

“Fallen Angel” absorbs and fills your soul as it's six minutes of Melodic Metal deliverance delving consciousness, a Melodic paradise unfolds. Final track “Second Time Around” soars away into the night and leaves you wanting more and more from these NWOBHM legends.Everything about this release is outta this world , the Album has Stunning  Artwork  which of course is  part of the whole Praying Mantis experience “Legacy” is the best Melodic Metal release by miles so far in 2015. For a band that were formed way back in 1973 by Chris Troy and his brother Tino ,they are still delivering the goods in 2015 and long may it continue!
 

Review :Seb Di Gatto        Score :10/10
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Tracklisting:

1.Fight For Your Honour
2.The One
3.Believable
4.Tokyo
5.Better Man
6.All I See
7.Eyes of A Child
8.The Runner   
9. Against The World
10.Fallen Angel
11.Second Time Around