Praying Mantis

THE BAND

Tino Troy - Lead guitar/vocals

Chris Troy - Bass guitar/vocals

Mike Freeland - Vocals

Andy Burgess - Lead guitar/vocals

Benjy Reid - Drums/percussion

PRAYING MANTIS BIOGRAPHY
Praying Mantis was formed in London, England, in 1973, by brothers Tino and Chris Troy.

The heavy metal scene of the late 70s was widely regarded as stagnant; it had become time for a new breed of British bands to emerge in the wake of a dying punk scene, Neal Kay DJ at THE BANDWAGON North London’s premier hard rock disco. Due to Neal’s much appreciated support Mantis were given a platform to air their music which featured the classics 'Captured City' & 'Lovers to the Grave'. Along with bands such as Iron Maiden, Angel Witch & Diamond Head, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was born.

Spearheaded by Praying Mantis & Iron Maiden, NWOBHM (as it became known) went on to dominate the Hard Rock scene in the early 80’s after the release of 'Metal for Muthas'; a compilation album consisting of bands that had played at 'The Bandwagon'

The debut album "Time Tells No Lies" received much critical acclaim and the single “Cheated” went top 40 in the UK charts in 1980.

During this period, Iron Maiden and Praying Mantis were closely paired in many areas and formed a strong musical relationship playing the 'Metal for Muthas' tour and a further successful more extensive UK tour together.

After several line-up changes, and a split from their management the band finally folded. However, Tino & Chris continued with a new venture in 'Stratus' featuring ex Maiden drummer Clive Burr & Bernie Shaw (ex Grand Prix).

Praying Mantis finally reformed in 1990 with Dennis Stratton & Paul Di’anno (ex-Iron Maiden) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NWOBHM in Japan. Since then they have released several successful albums with Pony Canyon in Japan, thus becoming their main territory. Albums were only available as imports in the UK and worldwide and the band struggled to get the recognition they deserved.

After almost 6 years the band has returned with a fantastic new line-up.

Their new album 'Sanctuary' on the Frontiers label is being hailed as their finest to date.

Now that we approach the 30th anniversary of the NWOBHM it seems that Mantis are back in the hunt once more and are ready to take on just about anything.

For more information including reviews of 'Sanctuary' please go to

http://www.praying-mantis.com <http://www.prayiing-mantis.com> http://www.myspace.com/prayingmantisrock

Check out the classy 'Turn the tide' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXA2XkWb4dk