# Praying Mantis – The Soundhouse Tapes Part 2
Praying Mantis emerged from the vibrant New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene that defined late 1970s and early 1980s rock music. The Soundhouse Tapes Part 2, released by Ripper Records in 1980, captures the band during a formative period when they were establishing their identity within the competitive NWOBHM movement. This 12-inch vinyl represents a crucial stepping stone in the band's evolution, showcasing their commitment to hard-hitting heavy metal that would eventually lead to greater commercial success in the following years.
The album features three tracks that exemplify the raw energy and technical prowess characteristic of the era. The opening cut, Captured City, sets an aggressive tone with driving guitars and commanding vocals that immediately establish the band's no-nonsense approach to heavy metal. The B-side tracks, The Ripper and Johnny Cool, continue this momentum with impressive musicianship and memorable hooks that demonstrate why Praying Mantis earned respect among their peers during this influential metal period.
Musically, The Soundhouse Tapes Part 2 blends classic heavy metal foundations with the urgency and production aesthetics of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. The guitar work is particularly noteworthy, featuring both rhythm and lead techniques that showcase technical skill without sacrificing accessibility. This release captures a band hungry to prove themselves in a crowded scene, delivering straightforward, effective heavy metal that resonates with the vinyl collector community today as a genuine artifact of early 1980s British metal culture.
