PRAYING MANTIS is one of the godfathers of the NWOBHM movement. Their “Time Tells No Lies” 1981 full-length debut is still considered as one of the most representative pieces of the genre / its more melodic side.
owever, things went significantly wrong for the band in the 80s, mainly due to contractual complications.
PRAYING MANTIS reformed 1990 for the 10th anniversary of NWOBHM tour in Japan and talented guitarist Denis Stratton joined the band. Meanwhile, they recorded this first reunion studio project: the amazing “Predator In Disguise”.
Released 1991 originally only in Japan, “Predator In Disguise” is a killer CD. Fully embracing the melodic hard rock sound from the early Nineties, polished yet ballsy, this record is plenty of strong songwriting and powerful melodies. Add to that AOR beauty (just check out the smooth “This Time Girl”) and this album has it all.
With the addition of Stratton (Lionheart, Iron Maiden) and drummer Bruce Bisland (Weapon, Wildfire) in the band’s ranks, the Troy brothers delivered such a high-octane Melodic Hard Rock album that few could and still can resist to.
Starting with the vocals, it’s quite impressive what a hell of a job has been done in the choir harmonies; you’ll find yourself over-amused with the refrains and the choruses sung by all members. The main vocal duties are held by both Chris Troy and Stratton and they both deliver the goods at ease. They are at the forefront of some illustrious material anyway, to say the least.
There are no main riffs here as the band plays with the melodies perfectly having them mixed in guitar / keyboards crossfire. The dual leads are immense and you won’t get bored by their fluent existence in the album. Not to forget, the rhythm section does its job adequately too and the outcome is an album you’ll full enjoy if you like your Hard Rock clad in sweet melodies and impressive hooks.
Can’t See the Angels, Only You, Time Slipping Away, the joyous Still Want You, all are great tunes, and to the aforementioned gem This Time Girl, add Listen To What Your Heart Says for the AOR factor, a terrific number with Stratton on lead vocals, a song with an atmosphere recalling the glorious Phenomena project.
Following the success of “Predators In Disguise” in Japan and later in some European countries, PRAYING MANTIS decided to continue recording and releasing their own music until today. And I’m glad they did, since enough of the band’s later discs are excellent too.
But the first stone placed was this 1991 comeback little gem and we should not forget it…
A must for Melodic Hard Rock / AOR fans.
01 – CAN’T SEE THE ANGELS
02 – SHE’S HOT
03 – CAN’T WAIT FOREVER
04 – THIS TIME GIRL
05 – TIME SLIPPING AWAY
06 – LISTEN WHAT YOUR HEART SAYS
07 – STILL WANT YOU
08 – THE HORN
09 – BATTLE ROYAL
10 – ONLY YOU
11 – BORDERLINE
Lead Vocals, Bass – Chris Troy
Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards – Tino Troy
Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals – Dennis Stratton
Drums, Backing Vocals – Bruce Bisland