PRAYING MANTIS
Nowhere To Hide
BOB CATLEY
Middle Earth
STUART SMITH
WindowsOf The World
Frontiers Records

Here is three of the latest releases from the Italian melodic hardrock label Frontiers. First off, we have the legendary NWOBHM band Praying Mantis, who have reformed with original members Tino and Chris Troy to produce a ten song disc of classy, melodic hardrock-just as they've done for over two decades! Originally formed back in 1977 (years before the term "New Wave Of British Heavy Metal" was even thought up), this band, along with the underrated Diamond Head, have become the underground pioneers of British class-metal. With the release of their debut, "Time Tells No Tales" in 1981, this band has carried on with numerous line-up changes (the lineup at one time featured former Maiden alumni's Clive Burr, Paul Di'Anno and currently features Dennis Stratton on second guitar) and has always had a devoted following in Japan where they have released numerous albums throughout the '90s. Even though Praying Mantis's music was always a bit soft for my tastes (I was more into the likes of Motorhead, Maiden, and Saxon in the early '80s and still today!), I've always admired their incredible musicianship, vocal harmonies and classy musical style- which very few metal bands have since yet to achieve. The songs are very melodic and radio-friendly-yet without sounding sappy, poppy, or cheesy like so many of the American AOR bands (which is probably one of the reasons this band never broke in the US.) Guitarists Stratton and (Tino) Troy perform incredibly tasty leads in the vein of Michael Schenker and Mathias Jabs and vocalist Tony O'Hora shines throughout this ten song disc. This is one class act that is definitely deserves a helluva lot more attention, especially here in the US.

Middle Earth is the latest solo release from Magnum vocalist Bob Catley. Very light, melodic rock (making Magnum sound like Motorhead in comparison!) which is highlighted by Catley's incredible vocals, who is undeniably one of the most underrated vocalists in rock music. Like Praying Mantis, Magnum never were able to break the American market yet still remain hugely popular throughout Europe and Japan. The songs are well-written and loaded with great melodies and superb vocals, but admittedly, way too light for my tastes. Guitarist Vinny Burns performs well, except for those annoying guitar squeals which are overly apparent on the first cut "The Wrath Of The Rings." As you may have guessed, the music and lyrics were inspired by J.R.R Tokien's "Lord Of The Rings" novel, in fact; the CD was produced and written by Gary Hughes, who also plays keys on the album. This one is definitely for the light-hearted hardrock fan.

Heaven & Earth is the second release from guitarist Stuart Smith. His debut CD (actually under the band name Heaven & Earth) featured name guest vocalists such as Joe Lynn Turner, Glenn Hughes, and Richie Sambora and gave Stuart Smith international recognition. This follow-up release is more of a band project, and features the incredible vocal talents of Kelly Keeling (former vocalist for Blue Murder, MSG, and Baton Rouge) whose amazingly powerful, soulful voice highlights this 12-song CD. Stuart Smith also performs excellently throughout the disc providing some great leads and solid riffs throughout, yet one can't deny his infatuation with Ritchie Blackmore. The CD opens with a guitar/keyboard riff that sounds like something right of Perfect Strangers, and the opening guitar riff to "Jade" sounds like Rainbow's "Sixteenth Century Greensleeves," while "Away From Harm" rips off the riff to "Danger Zone." (It's no surprise Smith used to perform in a Deep Purple tribute band in Los Angeles.) Despite the blatant Blackmore influence, the songs are really good and the musicianship is first-rate. The Glenn Hughes-ish blues-ballad "Broken Arrow" features some absolutely brilliant vocal work from Mr. Keeling! Great production as well, courtesy of former Heart guitarist Howard Leese, and keyboardist Arlan Schlerbaum also deserves a mention for his brilliant hammond-3 organ work. All in all, three great melodic rock CDs from one great independent label. Check out Frontiers Records online at: www.frontiers.it.

Shockwaves CD Reviews Issue 4 Page 9