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Praying Mantis are a well established band of melodic hard rockers. They were formed by brothers Tino and Chris Troy in the mid 70's and together with 'Iron Maiden', they spearheaded the NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) movement.
Their first album 'Time Tells No Lies' received much critical acclaim. After various projects including 'Stratus' featuring Clive Burr (ex Maiden) & Bernie Shaw (now with Uriah Heep).
Praying Mantis reformed in 1990 (for the 10th anniversary of NWOBHM) with Paul Di anno & Dennis Stratton. They recorded 'Live at last' which sparked a re-birth and followed up with a further 11 albums.
They are gaining new fans worldwide every day, especially since the release of the brilliant 'Sanctuary' which is receiving excellent reviews throughout the Rock and Metal world.

Sanctuary Discography page.

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Reviews & Quotes For 'Sanctuary':

For those who do not have too many references to the band of brothers Tino and Chris Troy commented that in 1981 released his first album, "Time Do not Tell Lies," which is considered one of the core of the NWOBHM and at that time were themselves Iron Maiden Paul Di'Anno.."Sanctuary" has been recorded in the USA and returns Praying Mantis the most genuine, so fans of the band are in luck.

Metal Dreams 8/10

Praying Mantis, and stand up when you say that. Because you're talking about one of the prime movers of the NWOBHM era - an absolutely essential part of the plot which led to the explosion of Maiden, Saxon, Samson and the rest. In the aftermath of that creative blast it's sometimes difficult to work out what went on, who did what and who made who. Mantis, sadly, have suffered for that - and deserve much MUCH more credit than they were ever given. In a touchy-feely reflective moment while everyone's celebrating people like Anvil, remember this: Mantis had the SONGS. And they still do.

Martin Kielty - Rock Radio

When “Sanctuary” works, it works very well indeed, and I have to recommend it to any and all fans of quality melodic rock out there.
Alan Holloway Rock United.com

What we have here is a band that contains some very fine and experienced musicians who have put together a collection of songs that create a really classic album.
CM Distro.com June 2nd

Sanctuary is big on hooks and drama, befitting a hugely underrated group of musicians.Sanctuary is a fine album that ticks many different boxes. 8/10
Classic Rock July 09

The sound is more AORish than before and the melodies are brilliant and so are the harmonies and arrangements. The album is very even with a couple of highlights that are damn fine tracks.... the melodies are pure bliss...If you thought Praying Mantis was done then youre wrong because their new album is a strong one and they are back for sure and with a new strong singer. This is an album that is worth checking out.
Juha Harjula Melodic.net June 09

The band has managed to come up with ten very strong new songs that have a refreshing Praying Mantis sound that has been modernized to this time. ‘Sanctuary’ is a great mix between powerful rock and beautiful ballads. This album is everything a melodic rock fan needs, go check it out yourself! 91/100
Eddy Meuwese Lords Of Metal (NL) June 09

The feelings and emotions I feel when I listen to “Sanctuary” are indescribable; it puts me in my happy place!!! “Sanctuary” is filled with plenty of great melodies that will stay in your head for days. If you get the chance to see Praying Mantis over the summer you should not hesitate to go & make sure you buy a copy of “Sanctuary” a must have album for any rock fan. 87/100
Tye Brown Power Of Metal (DK) June 09

All the Mantis trademarks are there- quality melodic guitar work with periodic twin lead breaks, big backing vocals and thoughtful arrangements. But the biggest impression is how contemporary the album sounds, with something of a symphonic metal feel- indeed opener In Time almost verges on power metal.
Andy Nathan Get Ready To Rock

Slick, sophisticated and polished, ‘Sanctuary’ oozes class from every pore, each of the ten songs within containing the sort of hooks and melodies most hard rock bands would literally kill for. Put it this way, if TNT had followed up ‘My Religion’ with an album even half as good as ‘Sanctuary’, everybody would have gone nuts … here’s hoping it won’t be another six years! Fantastic!
D.Cockett Destiny Records

Sanctuary has a hell of a lot going for it. The underlying BPM is right on the money for that epic vitality.‘Lonely Way Home’ is arguably an even better track. Another ballad, it isn’t as ‘metal’ as the previous effort and consequently has a greater emotional appeal. M.F. puts his heart into the track and it shows… in spades. 81%
Sakis Nikas Rock Realms

Blending AOR, bits of Classic Metal and NWOBHM, and tons of melodies, Praying Mantis managed to create a noticeable album, something that will please both old and new fans. Melodic songs, with warm vocals, memorable choruses and parts easy to sing along, are the key elements of this album, and the ones that make it very easy for the listener.
Victor Metal Guide Zine

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