# Praying Mantis – The Soundhouse Tapes Part 2
Praying Mantis emerged from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement that dominated the late 1970s and early 1980s, bringing a fresh energy to the genre. By 1980, the band had established themselves as promising newcomers within the NWOBHM scene, building a dedicated following through energetic live performances and their distinctive blend of hard rock and heavy metal sensibilities.
The Soundhouse Tapes Part 2, released on Ripper Records in 1980, represents a significant moment in the band's early recording history. This compact 12-inch vinyl served as a crucial stepping stone, capturing the raw intensity that defined the New Wave of British Heavy Metal era. The three-track EP showcases the band's tighter songwriting and improved production compared to their earlier work, while maintaining the unpolished, direct approach that made NWOBHM recordings so compelling to fans.
Musically, the record demonstrates Praying Mantis's command of driving rock riffs and powerful metal arrangements. "Captured City" opens the release with muscular instrumentation and memorable melodies typical of the band's style. "The Ripper" serves as a centerpiece, delivering the kind of hard-hitting, anthemic chorus that would become a hallmark of British metal. Closing track "Johnny Cool" rounds out the EP with another showcase of the band's energetic approach to songwriting.
The Soundhouse Tapes Part 2 remains an essential artifact for collectors interested in the NWOBHM movement and early 1980s heavy metal, capturing Praying Mantis during a formative period of creative momentum and growing musical confidence.
