Praying Mantis
London Shepherd’s Bush Bush Hall
3rd May, 2009

View: near front

Praying Mantis were never as commercially big as they should’ve been, but are always a popular draw, on the rare occasions that they play the UK. This gig doubled as a launch for the forthcoming Sanctuary, which sees the band continue their twin-guitar, melodic hard rock with aplomb: a NWoBHM band with Magnum leanings. Despite the poor sound, and singer Mike Freeland losing his voice (limiting the set to 10 songs over one hour), the band played tracks new and old with enthusiasm, matched by the crowd. Founder members Chris (bass) and Tino (guitar) Troy provided backing vocals and inter-song banter. Opener, A Cry For The New World, was a surprise, but from then on the set was pretty much split between the new album and their 1981 debut. New tracks Restless Heart and Tears In The Rain (a slower, bluesy number) sat nicely next to Children Of The Earth, with outstanding guitar soloing, and Turn The Tables, while the classic Captured City closed the evening.

Reviewed by Joe Geesin
<< Back to Issue 364

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