Two excellent live shows from Praying Mantis’ late 90s tour of Japan. A tour-de-force from the NWOBHM legends.

Praying Mantis were pioneers of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement in the UK. Appearing with those band’s on the influential compilation, ‘Metal For Muthas’ in 1980, the band released their debut Time Tells No Lies in 1981.

Going on hiatus following their debut, they reformed in 1990 to take advantage on the growing interest in classic NWOBHM, especially in Japan, where the band have always had a loyal following.

Originally formed by brothers Tino Troy on guitar and Chris Troy on bass in 1973, they were now joined by former Iron Maiden members Paul Di’Anno and Dennis Stratton (both of whom had also appeared on the aforementioned ‘Metal For Muthas’ LP).

Guitarist Dennis Stratton remained with the band through the 90s, the line-up completed by drummer Bruce Bisland, with vocalist Mark Thompson-Smith replacing Di’Anno. Recorded in Nagoya in 1993, the first concert (over two CDs) is a raw, honest live recording documenting their tour supporting the album A Cry For The New World including classics such as ‘Cheated’ and ‘Captured City’.

The band returned to Nagoya in November 1998, with their show documented on CDs 3 and 4. Now fronted by singer Tony O’Hora, with the line-up still featuring Stratton, Bisland and the Troys, they were then supporting the release of Forever In Time.