Praying Mantis - Defiance (CD) Digipack

PRAYING MANTIS are absolutely reliable suppliers of melodic hard rock with a slice of NWBHM. Brothers Troy, Tony (g) and Tino (b) and the guys have a fine sense of melody. The British outfit has it all on album number thirteen. There is a fresh, contemporary production at times. Frontman Jaycee Cuijpers (AYREON) seems to be in best shape. Epic tracks ("From The Start" or "Forever In My Heart") feel fine next to solid rockers ("Never Can Say Goodbye") or slightly poppy tunes ("One Heart"). A cover of RAINBOW's "I Surrender" completes the picture in an impressive way. Truly a remarkable record! (MS)