PRAYING MANTIS – Legacy [retail CD] (2015)
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Released today by Frontiers Music, “Legacy” is the new album by British legends PRAYING MANTIS, the first to feature drummer Hans In T’ Zandt (Bangalore Choir, Vengeance) and new vocalist John ‘Jaycee’ Cujipers.
It also marks the return of cover artist Rodney Matthews, whose art graced the earliest Praying Mantis classics.
It has been way too long since NWOBHM-turned-Melodic Hard Rock Praying Mantis delivered some new music. It’s been four years since their Metamorphosis release, and that was just an EP of re-recordings. Their last proper studio album – the excellent Sanctuary – was released back in 2009.
After yet another round of lineup changes, Praying Mantis is back with a new full album plenty of magic.
Praying Mantis has always delivered memorable Melodic Hard Rock albums, and “Legacy” is no exception.
There’s still a bit of their British classic metal roots here, especially in the twin guitars of Tino Troy and Andy Burgess, but it’s the band’s focus on melody that drives the album, and what makes these songs hit home right from the start.
Melody and a certain edge, epic, dramatic songwriting, and some very impressive vocals. Praying Mantis always seems to find the best new singers. Aside from some cover bands and a one-off appearance on an Ayreon release, Jaycee Cujipers is a relative unknown, but that’s sure to change after this.
Cujipers has a steady, powerful voice (he sings for a Dio tribute band if that tells you anything) that’s just perfect for this kind of classic Melodic Hard Rock. Even more so when he’s backed by the Troy brothers on the soaring choruses.
It’s hard to call out a couple of standout tracks here. “Legacy” features eleven new songs, and they’re all very strong, some of them truly awesome.
Leadoff single “Fight For Your Honour” captures the spirit of “Legacy” quite well, but you could pick, “Tokyo,” “Against the World” or “Eyes of a Child” and still seal the deal.
Even the more traditional love song “The One” has pomp and power.
What’s the old catchphrase – ‘all killer, no filler?’ Well, in this case that’s spot on.
Even though it has been six long years, “Legacy” is undeniably worth the wait. It’s a more than worthwhile addition to the Praying Mantis discography, and is one of the strongest Classic Melodic Hard Rock albums 2015 has to offer.
Whether you’ve been following Praying Mantis since their early days or have never heard them before, if you’re a fan of high quality European Melodic Hard Rock, especially bands like Pretty Maids, Bonfire, Pink Cream 69, the last Treat and House of Lords, “Legacy” is a must-have album.
Superb
01. Fight For Your Honour
02. The One
03. Believable
04. Tokyo
05. Better Man
06. All I See
07. Eyes Of A Child
08. The Runner
09. Against The World
10. Fallen Angel
11. Second Time Around
John ‘Jaycee’ Cuijpers – Lead Vocals
Tino Troy – Guitars & Vocals
Chris Troy – Bass & Vocals
Andy Burgess – Guitars, Vocals
Hans In T’ Zandt – Drums & Vocals
Justin Gaines – Words
BUY IT !
www.amazon.it/Legacy-Praying-mantis/dp/B00ZJB7Y4U
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