Recorded live at Frontiers Rock Festival V in Milan, Italy on April 28, 2018, this brand new live release shows PRAYING MANTIS offering the crowd a setlist of new songs and several classic tracks, including selected cuts from the now legendary debut album, “Time Tells No Lies". An awesome release, showcasing the repertoire of one of the most consistent British hard rock bands around.
Originally formed in 1973 by the Troy brothers, Tino and Chris, Praying Mantis became one of the most influential bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). The band is also one of a very small number of bands from that era to have remained an ongoing concern over the intervening years, and to still record and appear live regularly. The debut Praying Mantis album, “Time Tells No Lies” (Arista) was released in 1981 to critical acclaim, and it remains a significant milestone in the history of NWOBHM. Following a short-lived reformation of most of the original line-up of Praying Mantis in 1987, the band went back on hiatus until offered the chance to play in Japan with ex-Iron Maiden members Paul Di’Anno and Dennis Stratton in 1990. This experience injected new life into the band, and also marked the beginning of a productive 15 year partnership with Dennis Stratton.
The band’s second official studio album, “Predator in Disguise” was released in 1991, and the band have continued to write and release new material every two to three years ever since, with a shifting line-up which has featured the likes of Doogie White, Gary Barden, Bernie Shaw, Bruce Bisland, Mike Freeland, Gary Mackenzie, and many other figures from the cream of Britain’s rock fraternity. Following another major change in line-up (including the departure of Dennis Stratton), Praying Mantis signed with Frontiers in 2007 and recorded the album “Sanctuary”, which was released in 2009. The album, considered to be one of the finest of their career, has received consistently positive reviews, as have the follow-ups, "Legacy" and "Gravity”.
Whether gigging in support of their latest releases, writing new material, or re-visiting other songs from their extensive back-catalogue, the Troy brothers, along with guitarist Andy Burgess and newest recruits, John 'Jaycee' Cuijpers on vocals and Hans In T' Zandt on drums and vocals, remain committed to the blend of melody and power in their music that has become a trademark of the Praying Mantis sound, and, some three decades after forming, the band is still completely dedicated to entertaining a seemingly ever-growing army of fans across the globe.
Check out Praying Mantis live on tour:
Wed 6th November - The Cavern Freehouse, London
Thurs 7th November - The Brickies, Norwich
Fri 8th November - Hard Rock Hell XIII
Sat 9th November - Classic Rock Weekender, London
Sat 30th November - WinterStorm XiX, Troon, Scotland
Praying Mantis are pleased to announce their 11th studio album, ‘Gravity’. After the positive reception afforded to the band's last studio release, ’Legacy' (2015), the new record sees the band return with another inspired, take-no-prisoners set. Out May 11.
The album also sees Mantis retain the same line-up, with John Cuijpers (vocals) and Hans in’t Zandt (drums) again contributing to the songwriting process. Alongside founder members Tino Troy, Chris Troy and Andy Burgess, they have not only helped in the writing of the songs, but also in providing a new dimension in terms of sound engineering and overall production.
One of the most influential and well known sleeve artists in the rock field, Rodney Matthews (Magnum, Diamond Head, Allen/Lande), has been commissioned to design the artwork for ‘Gravity’ in the same style and stunning quality that so many fans loved on Mantis albums such as ‘Time Tells No Lies’, ‘Predator In Disguise’ and the aforementioned ‘Legacy’.
Praying Mantis are a well established band of melodic hard rockers. They were formed by brothers Tino and Chris Troy in 1973 and, together with bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and Saxon, they spearheaded the NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) movement of the late ’70’s. While they did not attain the same dizzying heights of success as some of their contemporaries, they nonetheless became one of the most influential bands in the genre. The band has remained active over the years and still record and play live regularly.
Praying Mantis will perform at the annual Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Italy on 28th April.
If Hardrock of the 70s is combined with the melodic rock of the 80s and you add the upcoming bands of a surprisingly active scene of these days - you are probably at the Escape Open Air, the new address for some awesome live music in a variety from Classic- & Melodicrock. Placed at one of Germany's most beatiful open-air-locations, the festival-proof Wasserburg Rosslau near Dessau in the midst of Germany, you get international Top-Acts and interesting newcomer bands for a festival, that will fans will get enthusiastic about. A Festival from fans for fans!“
For those who want some special VIP-treatment, a limited number of 75 VIP tickets are available only directly from the festival organizers. And this is what you get, if you decide to have a limited VIP-Ticket incl. hotel:
4*- quality at the nh Hotel Dessau in the centre of the "City Of Bauhaus". You not only find comfortable accomodation but also a special package with various extras (Weekend-Ticket with entrance for exclusive VIP-Area, special VIP-Festival-Shirt, Lanyard, Shuttle Service, daily meal, some drinks, festival programme a.m.m.). Interested in a VIP-Package? Please use FB-Messenger or send a mail to ppo.tickets@yahoo.de.“
The price for the VIP-Ticket is 150,-- €, these are the actual prizes for the hotel (only available with an VIP-package):
It is with great sadness that we have to relay the tragic news regarding the passing of Steve Carroll, former guitarist with Praying Mantis (latter Little Bo Bitch) whose tasteful licks, melodic tones and fine voice graced the highly acclaimed album, ‘TIME TELLS NO LIES’. This statement was released by his sister Amanda Gilby:
“My brother Steve Carroll Sadly died on the 2nd of August 2015 after a long battle with ill health.he enjoyed life and partied hard sadly just a little too hard and it took its toll. He had lots of good stories to tell of good times playing in the band and will be sadly missed by all his family and friends x”
Time indeed tells no lies Steve and your legacy will continue to live through your tremendous contribution to the band. Thank you for everything. Our hearts go out to your family, friends and fans and may you Rest In Peace
You can read the comprehensive interview with Steve in 1999 here
There’s nothing better than seeing heritage acts such as Praying Mantis, delivering brilliant albums after all these years. Active since the 70s, this is the band’s 10th studio record and first since 2009.
There’s been many a lineup change over the years; the band now features the quite unbelievable vocalist Jaycee Cuijpers, who channels Jorn Lande and Ronnie James Dio in his powerhouse performance.
I’m all about the vocals, so this effort has blown me away. Jaycee is here to stay and it’s no surprise to see within his past credits, a stint in a Dio tribute band.
The band are calling this one of their ever albums and I can’t find a reason to disagree.
The songs are thoroughly enjoyable, suitably heavy, but also quite commercial.
The excellent opening track Fight For Your Honor is classic NWOBHM; but immediately following is a beautiful melodic, almost AOR number in The One. The vocals here are especially enjoyable. I can see a solo AOR album in Jaycee’s future.
The ghost of Ronnie James Dio is back for the rocker Believable; while Tokyo is surprisingly melodic once again before turning ultra-moody for Better Man.
All I See is another wonderfully melodic mid-tempo anthem with a commercial chorus you’d more often see on a Magnum album.
The Runner is a great fast moving melodic rocker with some shredding guitar soloing towards the end of the track.
Against The World is again more catchy than you’d expect while the album closes out with the double time stomper Second Time Around.
Old or new to the world of British rockers Praying Mantis, this is worth checking out folks. They look heavier than they sound – especially on this record – crossing over from hard rock into melodic rock with ease and back into rock mode.
It’s a very fine album featuring a very fine new singer.
PRAYING MANTIS are finally ready to unleash their tenth studio album, “Legacy” via Frontiers Records on August 21 in Europe and North America.
The early reactions to the new songs have been outstanding and there is a real buzz beginning to emerge that this could arguably be the best album that Mantis have ever made! Bold words to be sure, but this is more than mere record label hyperbole.....
“Legacy” is the first recording to feature the two new members, Jaycee Cuijpers and Hans in’t Zandt (vocals and drums respectively), who have truly provided a new dimension to the writing process and musical performances. Together with guitarists Tino Troy and Andy Burgess, they have been instrumental not only in the writing of the new songs, but in providing a new vision in terms of the sound engineering and production. The recording of the album was carried out in various recording studios in Belgium, Netherlands and UK.
As per the previous record, “Sanctuary”, the mixing of the new album was done by Andrew Riley in his studio in Atlanta. The first single, “Fight For Your Honour” will be accompanied by a video shot while the band performed the song for the first time at their acclaimed performance at the Frontiers Rock Festival II in Milan, Italy.
One of the most influential and famous artists in the rock field, Rodney Matthews (Magnum, Diamond Head, Allen/Lande) has been commissioned to do the artwork for the album in the same style and stunning quality that so many fans loved on the original Mantis albums like “Time Tells No Lies” and the later album “Predator In Disguise”.
Praying Mantis are a well-established band of melodic hard rockers. They were formed by brothers Tino and Chris Troy in 1973 and together with bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Saxon, and others they spearheaded the NWOBHM movement. While they did not see the same dizzying heights of success as some of their contemporaries, Praying Mantis nonetheless became one of THE most influential bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). The band has remained active over the years and still record and play live regularly.
Praying Mantis are: John Cuijpers – Lead Vocals, Tino Troy – Guitars & Vocals, Chris Troy – Bass & Vocals, Andy Burgess – Guitars + Vocals, Hans in ‘t Zandt – Drums
Frontiers Records announce the following two new signings:
- Praying Mantis (Praying Mantis UK Rock - Metal) are currently in the studio working on material for a new album that we will release sometime in 2015! The NWOBHM legends will also be reissuing "Predator in Disguise", "A Cry for the New World", "To the Power of Ten", "Forever in Time", "Nowhere to Hide" and "The Journey Goes On" through us (available DIGITALLY ONLY) through us next year.
- Frontiers are pleased to announce that they have signed former Angel singer Frank Dimino for a solo album! The production is starting this month in Las Vegas and musically the record is shaping up to sound like Angel meets classic Hard Rock from the 70’s and 80’s.
- Harem Scarem's first studio album in a long while Thirteen is also released via Frontiers early December.
- You can also hear the track 10x Bigger Than Love from Vega (featuring Def Leppard's Joe Elliott) here: http://youtu.be/idfakfrJ33g
