Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Praying Mantis
Label: Zoom Club Records
Released: 1998
Runtime: 64:05
Rating: 4.5/5
“Forever In Time,” the sixth studio album (and fifth since their 1990 reunion) from the eternal melodic hard rockers, one of the best-known names of the new wave of British heavy metal, is a wonderfully pleasant surprise for everyone who has stuck with their wildly turbulent career over the years, and a first-rate treat for all lovers of quality melodic rock. It also captures one of the rare moments in their story up to that point when stability briefly took over and it looked like it might actually last for a good while.
Ever since the crunchy debut “Time Tells No Lies” (1981), which rightfully counts as an NWOBHM classic, Praying Mantis had swapped lineups like they were on a conveyor belt. The only original members, brothers Chris Troy (bass/vocals/keyboards) and Tino Troy (guitar/vocals), went through a whole parade of players in the years after the debut, and don’t even get us started on the singers, who rotated at a pace rarely seen. In the few years after the reunion they burned through no fewer than four vocalists, and even though none of them was a slouch, each lasted for only one album.
After a brief stint with Gary Barden (ex-MSG, Statetrooper) on the previous album “To The Power Of Ten” (1995), on which they once again failed to win over a wider audience despite a noticeable sonic sophistication, Tony O’Hora stepped up to the mic. With his arrival, the band struck gold. O’Hora was (and still is) one of the best singers in melodic hard rock, so it’s no surprise that they couldn’t have found a better fit for their style of music.
O’Hora proves what a great vocal choice he is right on the opener “Wasted Years” (the same title as the Iron Maiden classic is purely a coincidence), where their trademark assault of triple guitar harmonies from Tino Troy and Dennis Stratton (ex-Iron Maiden, Lionheart) reigns supreme. Paired with Chris’s keyboard bed in the background, the latter creates an incredibly full sound that suits the mighty melodies and Bruce Bisland’s powerful drum fills perfectly. O’Hora’s voice takes your breath away from start to finish, and the superb production makes just as strong an impression, one that many of their contemporaries could take as a model. “The Messiah” brings an original oriental motif by way of climbing pentatonic guitar scales and a magical, instantly infectious chorus, where the phenomenal O’Hora is joined on backing vocals by the Troy brothers and Dennis Stratton.
“Best Years” is laced with flowing keyboard textures that gradually build up a majestic atmosphere. Over time it grows into one of the most artfully composed Praying Mantis songs ever, with an anthemic chorus that won’t leave your ears for a long time. The triple guitar harmonies sound subtle enough and the individual riffs are sharp enough that even the most demanding connoisseurs will be licking their lips. Meanwhile, the dynamic rhythm section keeps laying down the ideal foundation for the killer vocals and sophisticated keyboards. “Blood Of An Angel” captivates with a phenomenal vocal performance (the chorus especially kills) and an exceptionally sophisticated interplay between the guitar harmonies and the keyboards.
The rest of the album is just as full of brilliantly arranged pieces with crunchy riffs, romantic keyboard textures and a fully electrified vocal approach. “Valley Of The Kings” conjures up a mystical atmosphere fitting for its title, with subtle keyboard arrangements front and center, while O’Hora proves himself an extremely versatile singer who can easily hop between energetic and gentler, lyrically confessional waters. “Changes” is yet another gourmet melodic rock treat that, with period-appropriate production, could even have been a hit in the 80s. With its multi-part guitar harmonies, scorching riffs and anthemic chorus, “Man Behind The Mask” is practically the archetype of a Praying Mantis classic. Just as good are “Remember My Name,” the only ballad on the album, where we can admire the incredible range of O’Hora’s vocal emotion; the epic “The Day The Sun Turned Cold,” which with its power metal triple harmonies is undoubtedly the most metal-leaning track on the record (even though they’re counted among the founders of NWOBHM, Praying Mantis always had only slight ties to heavy metal in their music); and the closing fairy tale “Forever In Time,” which teases the ears above all with a dreamy chorus while combining all the best sonic elements of this album.
Setting aside the classic debut “Time Tells No Lies,” “Forever In Time” is without a doubt the best achievement in the story of this cult band, who still seem to be chased by bad luck to this day. In terms of overall quality and consistency of the songs, only their next album, “Nowhere To Hide” (2000), can stand beside it, which is hardly surprising, since it was made by the same crew (for the first and probably last time in their story). Sadly, they eventually slid back into their infamous habit of constant lineup changes, burying what was very likely the best version of Praying Mantis in their history. Enriched by the incredible Tony O’Hora, the key factor in an exceptionally positive sonic rebirth, “Forever In Time” nevertheless remains an often overlooked gem of melodic hard rock, and a must-have in the collection of anyone who cares about top-shelf melodic hard rock that sends shivers down your spine every single time.
Lineup
Tony O’Hora – vocals
Dennis Stratton – guitar, backing vocals
Chris Troy – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Tino Troy – guitar, backing vocals
Bruce Bisland – drums
Production
Praying Mantis
Tracklist
1.Wasted Years
2. The Messiah
3. Best Years
4. Blood of an Angel
5. Valley of the Kings
6. Changes
7. Man Behind the Mask
8. Remember My Name
9. The Day the Sun Turned Cold
10. Forever in Time
