- Dennis Stratton: A Melodic Journey from Iron Maiden to Praying Mantis
Dennis Stratton, born in 1952, is a British guitarist renowned for his melodic contributions to the heavy metal genre. His career includes a pivotal stint with Iron Maiden during their formative years, contributing to their self-titled debut album. Stratton's subsequent tenure with Praying Mantis further solidified his reputation, showcasing his melodic sensibility and songwriting talents. He continues to remain active in the music scene, leaving a lasting legacy through his captivating guitar work and melodic compositions.
Dennis Stratton, born 1952, in Canning Town, East London, is a revered figure in the world of heavy metal, primarily recognized for his contributions as a guitarist to two influential bands: Iron Maiden and Praying Mantis.
Early Life and Career:
Stratton's passion for music ignited at a young age, inspired by iconic bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. He began playing guitar as a teenager and honed his skills in various local bands. In the mid-1970s, Stratton joined a band called RDB, where he refined his melodic and technical playing style.
Iron Maiden (1979-1980):
In 1979, Stratton's career reached a turning point when he joined Iron Maiden, replacing guitarist Tony Parsons. Stratton's arrival coincided with the band's burgeoning success, and he quickly became an integral part of their sound. His melodic sensibility and fluid solos complemented the band's raw energy, evident in their self-titled debut album released in 1980.
Despite the album's success and positive reviews, Stratton's tenure with Iron Maiden was short-lived. Creative differences and personality clashes with bassist and founder Steve Harris led to his departure in October 1980. Although his time with the band was brief, Stratton's contributions left a lasting impact on Iron Maiden's early sound.
Post-Iron Maiden and Praying Mantis (1980-2006):
Following his departure from Iron Maiden, Stratton joined the band Lionheart, where he continued to explore his melodic hard rock style. However, it was his later involvement with Praying Mantis that solidified his place in the heavy metal scene.
Stratton joined Praying Mantis in 1990, a band known for their melodic and harmonized twin-guitar approach. His arrival marked a new chapter for the band, and his melodic sensibilities and songwriting talents enriched their sound. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Stratton recorded several albums with Praying Mantis, including "Predator in Disguise" (1991), "A Cry for the New World" (1993), and "Nowhere to Hide" (2000).
Stratton's time with Praying Mantis showcased his versatility as a musician. He not only contributed as a lead guitarist but also took on lead vocal duties on several songs, demonstrating his broad range of musical abilities.
Recent Years and Legacy:
Stratton left Praying Mantis in 2006 but continued to remain active in the music scene. He has since released solo material and collaborated with various artists. His contributions to Iron Maiden and Praying Mantis have earned him a dedicated following among heavy metal fans worldwide.
Dennis Stratton's career exemplifies a musician's unwavering dedication to his craft. His melodic playing style and songwriting talents have left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring guitarists and musicians around the globe.