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November 2024

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Praying Mantis: Legacy

Melodic Hard Rock/Metal

5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 06.08.2015

The history of UK's Praying Mantis goes back better than 40 years. The band predated the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, but the same phenomena propelled them to the spotlight. Mostly, over last decade or so, like much of classic rock and metal, they've flown under the mainstream music radar. Yet Mantis has continuously delivered substantial and entertaining melodic hard rock and metal.

Praying Mantis

Their tenth album, Legacy, is no exception and, honestly, I think it's their best work in the last 20 years. It's so good, so thoroughly consistent and entertaining, it could be one of the best albums of 2015.

There's many things to like about this album. The twin guitar harmony. The consistent rock groove and beat from the rhythm section The catchy hooks in the refrains and guitar leads. The proper addition of keyboards for atmosphere and accent. The melody and harmony in the vocals and vocal arrangements. That last feature deserves some elaboration. With this album, Praying Mantis introduces John Cuijpers as their new vocalist. He's a bit of a journeyman vocalist performing with a variety of bands, including tribute bands for Deep Purple and Dio. And you definitely hear the timbre of the latter in his voice. Otherwise, his range and control is terrific, while singing clean, melodic, and smooth. Praying Mantis scored big getting Cuijers on the microphone. The guy soars.

After these things, there's only one more thing to say. Every song on this album is terrific. From the rockers like Fight For Your Honour, Tokyo, and Fallen Angel to epic anthems like Against The World, Better Man, and All I See, this album does not stumble in any respect. It's all might fine with no filler. I've changed my mind: to this date, this is the best melodic hard rockin' metal album of 2015. Nuff said. Get it. Now.

Praying Mantis - Fight For Your Honour

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

To this date, Praying Mantis' Legacy is the best melodic hard rockin' metal album of 2015. Nuff said. Get it. Now.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]