Thursday, December 31, 2009

Sanctuary / Praying Mantis (2009)


1. In Time
2. Restless Heart
3. Tears In The Rain
4. So High
5. Turn The Tide
6. Touch The Rainbow
7. Threshold Of A Dream
8. Playing God
9. Highway
10. Sanctuary

It has been 6 years from the last album and 9 years since they had a permanent vocal. First, the album jacket freaked me out a little bit. The album jacket often represent the music inside. I was afraid that their music style had changed in negative way. However, when I started listening to this album, I soon realized that my fear was utterly groundless. From track 1, their lyrical sound was still going strong. It seems like new members have career for decent amount of years but pretty much are unknown. The new voice of the band, Mike Freeland, has gruff voice but really matches with the band sound. 

This band is one of few bands that had member changes so many times. Nevertheless, Troy brothers keep the faith in their music. This time, they proved once again that they are the key and the core of this band. From track 1, their lyrical sounds explode. Tracks 2 and 9 are good pop tunes. Track 4 is a moving ballad. Perhaps, this might be the best ballad they have ever written since "Lovers To The Graves". They also wrote great uptempo tunes such as tracks 4, 6, and 7. Overall, the album is full of Praying Mantis emblems. I hope that they release new records more often lol

☆☆☆☆