PRAYING MANTIS Announces New Singer, Drummer

July 9, 2013

NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) legends PRAYING MANTIS have announced the addition of Dutch musicians John "Jaycee" Cuijpers (vocals; AYREON, COOPER INC.) and Hans In 'T Zandt (drums; CHINAWHITE, VENGEANCE) to the group's ranks.

Jon and Hans are seasoned professional musicians with a vast amount of experience and will bring an extra dimension to the MANTIS sound.

PRAYING MANTIS 2013 is:

John Cuijpers - Lead Vocals
Tino Troy - Guitar, Vocals
Chris Troy - Bass & Vocals
Andy Burgess - Guitar, Vocals
Hans In 'T Zandt - Drums

The new PRAYING MANTIS lineup will make its live debut on July 27 at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany.

PRAYING MANTIS earlier this month parted ways with singer Mike Freeland and drummer Gary Mackenzie.

In a statement, Freeland said: "It is with great sadness that I have to tell you all that I am no longer a member of PRAYING MANTIS. Please know that this was not my decision.

"On a more positive note, I've had the most incredible seven years; I have been to some truly amazing places and met some fantastic people — you guys. I can't thank you all enough for your support and for the great times. Keep the faith!"

Added Mackenzie in his own statement: "Following on from Mike Freeland's post, which some of you may have seen, I am very sad to report that I am also on the list of ex-PRAYING MANTIS members. This was not of my choosing.

"I will miss many aspects of being in the band, but one of the things I'm most sad about is the fact that I won't get to say goodbye in person to the many, many terrific fans I've met around the world — so many of you have shown such amazing support, enthusiasm, commitment and affection for the band and for me, and I am truly grateful to have met and played for you all. Stay lucky, and keep the faith."

February 2011 saw PRAYING MANTIS release a special limited-edition EP to celebrate 30 years since the release of their critically acclaimed album "Time Tells No Lies". Entitled "Metalmorphosis", the effort included five songs, some of which were from the original album re-recorded by the most recent MANTIS lineup.

PRAYING MANTIS' latest album, "Sanctuary", was released in Europe in June 2009 via Frontiers Records (July 2009 in the U.S.). The CD was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia under the direction of producer/engineer Andy Reilly (ASIA, THE CULT, BRUCE DICKINSON, FM).

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