PRAYING MANTIS - TIME TELLS NO LIES 12" Vinyl LP Album

- NWOBHM New Wave Of British Heavy Metal

Embark on a journey through the roots of British Heavy Metal with "Time Tells No Lies," the debut full-length album by Praying Mantis, immortalized on this 12" LP vinyl. A cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), this album introduces the prowess of the band in a sonic tapestry that defined an era. Released as the inaugural chapter of Praying Mantis's discography, "Time Tells No Lies" stands as a testament to their early contribution to the evolving landscape of heavy metal. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

Front Cover Photo Of PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies

Praying Mantis - Time Tells No Lies: A Deep Dive into the NWOBHM Classic
Album Description:

Praying Mantis' debut album, "Time Tells No Lies," holds a significant place in the annals of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Released in 1981, the album showcases the band's unique blend of melodic sensibilities and hard-hitting riffs, making it a standout in the crowded scene of the time. Let's explore five popular topics surrounding this iconic LP.

The Sound: Melodic Heavy Metal at Its Finest

One of the defining aspects of "Time Tells No Lies" is its distinct sound. The album is characterized by a harmonious fusion of catchy melodies, soaring vocals, and energetic guitar work. While rooted in heavy metal, the band incorporates elements of hard rock, creating a sound that is both powerful and accessible. Songs like "Cheated" and "Running for Tomorrow" exemplify this approach, delivering anthemic choruses and memorable riffs that stay with the listener long after the needle lifts from the groove.

The Legacy: A Cornerstone of NWOBHM

"Time Tells No Lies" is considered a cornerstone of the NWOBHM movement. The album's success helped solidify the band's position as one of the leading lights of the genre, alongside contemporaries like Iron Maiden and Saxon. It also served as a blueprint for countless bands that followed, influencing the development of melodic heavy metal for years to come.

The Songs: Anthems of a Generation

From the opening notes of "Cheated" to the closing chords of "Children of the Earth," "Time Tells No Lies" is filled with songs that resonate with fans. Each track boasts its own unique character, from the driving energy of "All Day and All of the Night" to the soaring balladry of "Lovers to the Grave." The album's diverse songwriting ensures there is something for every listener, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed today.

The Production: Capturing the Raw Energy

Despite the limitations of early 80s recording technology, the album's production manages to capture the raw energy and excitement of Praying Mantis' live performances. The guitars are crisp and powerful, the drums thunderous, and the vocals soar above the mix. This authentic sound allows the listener to feel as if they are right there in the room with the band, experiencing the music in its purest form.

Music Genre:

NWOBHM Heavy Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies" was produced by: Tim Friese- Green

Album cover Illustration: Rodney Matthews

Rodney Matthews, a British illustrator of extraordinary talent, has carved a remarkable niche for himself in the world of fantasy art. With his imaginative creations and meticulous attention to detail, Matthews has brought to life countless captivating worlds and characters, enchanting audiences across the globe. Born on 6 March 1945, in London, England, Matthews discovered his passion for art at a young age and embarked on a lifelong journey that would shape the landscape of fantasy illustration.

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As a child, Matthews exhibited a natural affinity for drawing, sketching fantastical creatures and landscapes that sprang from the depths of his imagination. His artistic abilities were nurtured by his family, who recognized his unique gift and encouraged him to pursue his creative pursuits. Fuelled by their support and his own unwavering determination, Matthews set out to hone his skills and make a name for himself in the art world.

After completing his formal education at Twickenham Art College, Matthews began his professional career as a graphic designer. His early work encompassed a wide range of artistic endeavors, including album covers, book covers, and advertising campaigns. However, it was in the realm of album cover artwork that Matthews truly found his calling, and his talent soon caught the attention of musicians and bands seeking to visually represent their music.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Matthews collaborated with some of the most iconic names in the music industry, including rock bands such as Nazareth, Magnum, and Thin Lizzy. His album cover artwork became synonymous with these bands' identities, visually capturing the essence of their music and captivating audiences before a single note was played. Matthews' distinctive style, characterized by intricate details, vibrant colors, and a sense of wonder, brought a new dimension to the listening experience, making him one of the most sought-after illustrators of the time.

Matthews' artistic contributions extended beyond album covers, as he lent his talents to various mediums, including book illustrations and posters. He illustrated the covers of numerous fantasy and science fiction novels, working with esteemed authors such as Michael Moorcock and Terry Pratchett. His intricate and evocative illustrations added depth and allure to these literary works, immersing readers in the fantastical worlds they portrayed.

In addition to his commercial work, Matthews also pursued personal projects that allowed him to delve further into his own creative visions. These projects included the creation of his own illustrated books, such as "The Tale of the Unicorn" and "The Pied Piper of Hamelin", which showcased his storytelling abilities and allowed him to explore new artistic horizons.

Over the years, Matthews' talent and influence have garnered recognition and acclaim worldwide. His work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the field of illustration. His art continues to inspire and captivate generations of artists and art enthusiasts alike, transcending boundaries and transporting viewers into realms of fantasy and imagination.

Rodney Matthews' artistic legacy serves as a testament to the power of imagination and the ability of art to transport us to new worlds. Through his intricate and awe-inspiring illustrations, he has touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals, igniting their own creative sparks and inviting them to explore the infinite possibilities of the imagination

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

Arista SPART 1153

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram 

Year & Country:

1981 Made in England
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Chris Troy - Bass, Vocals
  • Dave Potts - Drums
  • Steve Carroll - Guitar, Vocals
  • Tino Troy - Guitar, Vocals –
Complete Track-listing of the album "PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies"

The detailed tracklist of this record "PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Cheated 3:52
  2. All Day And All Of The Night 3:58
  3. Running For Tomorrow 3:40
  4. Rich City Kids 3:47
  5. Lovers To The Grave 4:52
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Panic In The Streets 3:42
  2. Beads Of Ebony 5:34
  3. Flirting With Suicide 5:04
  4. Children Of The Earth 5:43

PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies
Front Cover Photo Of PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies

 

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Photo Of The Back Cover PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies
Photo of album back cover PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies

 

Close up of record's label PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies Side One:
Close up of record's label PRAYING MANTIS - Time Tells no Lies Side One

Record Label Details: SPART 1153