| Praying Mantis Sanctuary | Frontiers Records FRCD416 |
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Definitely not what I was expecting. I didn't even recognize the band for a while. Praying Mantis have turned in a very solid album here bordering on commercial in nature – mixing hard rock elements with more straight ahead melodic rock and even some AOR melodies – albeit delivered with a more powerful base. The band is another act with a long rich history – one with different selection of lead vocalists and other musicians along the way. But they are still here. The founding Troy Brothers are still the foundation of the band, so the direction is not going to be too unfamiliar to long time fans. Mike Freeland is the new vocalist, who suits the tone of the new music. He should – he had a major hand in writing a lot of it. The band retains that British hard rock vibe, but the smooth nature of the vocals and the albums overall production will see some crossover appear here from the USA and other areas. There are some truly memorable hooks embedded within this album – none better than the acoustic driven rocker Restless Heart. The fast tempo So High motors along before the tempo changes for the slower, sentimental ballad Lonely Way Home which features a great lead vocal and chorus. Fans of NWOBHM will still find plenty here to love – such as the trilogy of fast and furious classic rock themed tracks Touch The Rainbow, Threshold Of A Dream and Playing God. Highway is a touch of melodic brilliance, with a real AOR heart, big chorus and singalong lyric. Closing the album is the more progressive Sanctuary, adding some grit to proceedings.
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18/03/10: Carmine - rarecd01@yahoo.com
02/01/10: Gary Holder - www.garyholder20@hotmail.com
30/12/09: Paul - pgborden@hotmail.com
27/09/09: sergio - bmgclima@bmgclimasnc.191.it
10/09/09: Zok - micke_016@hotmail.com
22/08/09: Ali - spammeplease@yahoo.com
21/08/09: Gregg - Gmcpa1@verizon.net
21/08/09: Blais-sabbath - boulot-vert@hotmail.com
21/08/09: Michael - angra55t@yahoo.com
Rating: 92
Much better than Andrew's rating!! "Average cd at best" my arse!In given the proper exposure this could break this band out of their long held cult status- would appeal to fans as far ranging as House Of Lords, Scorpions, etc. in addtion to the PM fanbase. Mike Freeland does way better than just suit the tone of the new music- he is a revelation and far exceeded my expectations- power, range, emotion, commerical appeal- his vocals bring it all in spades. Where did they find this guy? Finally the Troys have the vocalist this band has always needed, unquestionably the best they've ever had, and no doubt he has inspried then to the best work of their careers. WELL DONE!!
Rating: 95
My favourite album of 2009 the best album Praying Mantis have ever released,the song 'Turning the tide' is awesome.
Rating: 64
Sorry to rain on the die-hard PM fans here, but while this may be one of the best this band has ever done, it is only an "Average" cd at best in the world of melodic rock. "Lonely Way Home" and "Highway" are the highlights. Not even in the same league as even the worst Ten cd.
Rating: 95
To understimate this album is a big error. It's simply one of the best in 2009.
Ciao
Rating: 93
"Praying Mantis" is back with a great album. They have found a great woice in Mike Freeland. I still like "Nowhere To Hide" better, but this is great.
Rating: 80
Great album with nice tunes that sound like the PM of old. Shame about the purple turtle gig to promote this and the four songs they played in total.
Rating: 96
Wow. Best PM album since the debut. Currently my CD of the year behind the excellant songs such as "So High", "Touch the Rainbow", "Lonely way home", and "In Time".
Rating: 95
The best Praying Mantis album ever and one of the best of 2009!! Absolutly brillant!!
Rating: 10
The best Praying Mantis album ever! Lots of harmonies, brilliant melodies, amazing vocals - the band is definitely back. In fact, I haven't heard so good since "A Cry For The New World" and this album even dethrones that classic. Absolutely worth every penny asked for it!
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