Praying Mantis - Reissues album review

Double-vinyl reissued editions of Praying Mantis’ most recent albums

Praying Mantis Sanctuary album cover

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Perhaps not the most crucial reissues of the moment – Sanctuary (610) dates from 2009 and Legacy (610) from just last year – but there’s just about enough here to keep NWOBHM fans with deepish pockets happy.

Limited to only 300 copies each, pressed on heavy vinyl (it doesn’t say 180g anywhere, but they feel weighty), housed in deluxe gatefold sleeves and boasting an etching on the fourth side of both albums, the package is decent enough but not spectacular.

Musically, we’re in a similar ballpark, with plenty of vigorous bluster and fiery musicianship on display – but sadly, the songs aren’t that memorable. The likes of Touch The Rainbow and Playing God (both Sanctuary) and All I See and Tokyo (both Legacy) are solid, accessible melodic highlights. However, both outings lack that special spark to make them essential. You won’t feel cheated by these – just a bit underwhelmed.

Praying Mantis lay down their Legacy

Praying Mantis issue Tokyo stream

Essi Berelian

Whether it’s magazines, books or online, Essi has been writing about rock ’n’ metal for around thirty years. He has been reviews editor for Classic Rock and Metal Hammer, rock reviews editor for lads mag Front and worked for Kerrang!. He has also written the Rough Guide to Heavy Metal and contributed to the Rough Guide to Rock and Rough Guide Book of Playlists, and the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles (13th edition). Most fun interview? Tenacious D – Jack Black and Kyle Gass – for The Pick of Destiny movie book. An avid record/CD/tape collector, he’s amassed more music than he could ever possibly listen to, which annoys his wife no end.