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Originally
described as part of the new wave of British heavy metal,
PRAYING MANTIS pursued a musical direction more AOR/melodic
rock-sounding than their contemporaries Iron Maiden and Saxon.
Praying Mantis formed formed in 1973 by
the Troy brothers, Tino and Chris whilst they were at college in
London. The band has had an ever evolving line-up with the
brothers always the core constant.
The band maintained a strong fan base in
UK, Europe and Japan, and when the Troys temporarily reformed
Praying Mantis for a NWOBHM nostalgia tour in 1990 several live
shows were recorded for release.
Andy Burgess officially joined Praying
Mantis in 2007, taking on the role of guitarist. One of
Burgess's most notable contributions to Praying Mantis was his
role in the band's renowned dual guitar harmonies. These
harmonies had long been a signature element of Praying Mantis'
sound, and Burgess embraced this tradition while infusing it
with his unique touch. In 2011, the Metalmorphosis 30th
Anniversary EP was released. It includes 10 re-recorded classic
Praying Mantis tracks by the 2011 band line-up.
In 2015, Legacy album marked a move
forward which was followed by Gravity (2018), Katharsis (2022)
and Defiance (2024).
2026 saw the release of "Praying Mantis:
The official Bootleg Box Set Volume 1 - Live in Japan” 4 CD Box
Set. With more live and studio material set to be released the
future looks very bright for the Troy brothers.
Chez
Kane is a British rock singer and songwriter from Wales,
known for her powerful voice and retro-inspired style. She
first gained recognition from the band
Kane’d,
which she formed with her 2 sisters.
In 2020, Chez Kane launched her solo career after being
discovered by Danny Rexon, frontman of the Swedish rock band
Crazy Lixx. He produced her debut self-titled solo album,
which was released in 2021 under Frontiers Music. The album
received praise for its infectious hooks, catchy melodies,
and strong 80s rock vibe, drawing comparisons to artists
like Pat Benatar and Vixen.
Chez Kane’s
success continued with her second album,
Powerzone,
released in 2022, further establishing her as a leading
voice in the modern rock scene. Known for her energetic
performances and dynamic stage presence, Chez Kane is
celebrated for reviving the spirit of 80s rock with a modern
twist.
Now, Chez is entering her boldest era yet. Her brand new
single “Reckless” was released on September 17, 2025,
earning airplay on mainstream BBC Radio Wales and being
named one of the Tracks of the Week by Classic Rock
Magazine. The track is more than just a single, it’s a
statement of intent. Chez is determined to bring rock back
into the mainstream once and for all, proving that the genre
still belongs on big radio platforms and in front of wide
audiences.
Reckless is the first taste of her forthcoming third album
of the same name, due in 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl.
Produced once again by Danny Rexon, the record promises a
bigger, edgier sound, full of the anthemic spirit and fiery,
passionate attitude that defines Chez Kane.
With global recognition, critical acclaim, and a rapidly
growing fanbase, Chez Kane is proving that rock still has
icons in the making... and she’s one of them!
STAR
CIRCUS
"Star Circus are a hard rock
band based in London, UK, with influences ranging from 70s hard
rock to 90s alternative rock. Their sophomore album "From The
Wreckage" was released in June 2025 via Renaissance Records US
to much critical acclaim, with Classic Rock Magazine labelling
the band "The missing link between ELO and Def Leppard" in
response to the single "One Hit Wonder". The shows supporting
the album release included support slots for Graham Bonnet
(Rainbow), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Chez Kane, and Tyketto.
Having toured extensively in 2026, closing out the year with
a performance at Planet Rock Radio's "Planet Rockstock", Star
Circus have never been a more seasoned live act."
GJB
are Aberdeen’s internationally acclaimed blues-rock outfit. The
Gerry Jablonski Band, is charging into 2026 with a new weapon in
their arsenal—frontman and powerhouse vocalist, Nicky Aiken. A
familiar face on the Aberdeen music scene and a former Royal
Marine Commando, Aiken trades in military tours for
international music tours as he joins the band full-time. The
announcement follows a standout guest performance with the band
at their Aberdeen show last September, where sparks flew and the
chemistry was undeniable! Since that night, the new line-up has
hit the road hard—touring the UK and Europe, recording new
material, and even filming a promotional video during their
explosive apperance at Roanne Blues Festival in France. The band
is busier than ever, with 2026 dates across the UK, France,
Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Their signature blend
of heavy riffs, searing harp, and blues-infused rock continues
to evolve—with the addition of rich vocal harmonies and a
rejuvenated sound thanks to Aiken’s dynamic voice. The Gerry
Jablonski Band remains one of Scotland’s must-see live acts,
delivering explosive, high-energy shows wrapped in gritty blues
power. And they still offer their trademark challenge: If you
don’t enjoy the show, tell them afterwards—and they’ll give you
your money back.
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