Draft:Mendes Prey

Mendes Prey were an English Rock band formed in 1979, drawing members from the West Yorkshire towns of Castleford, Pontefract and Wakefield. Despite leaning towards the melodic style of the genre they are widely considered to be a part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), a movement that emerged towards the end of Punk Rock when New Wave music was at the height of its popularity.

After several changes, the band's line-up settled in mid-1980 to include Jih Seymour on vocals, Tony Boulton (formerly of Vardis) on bass, Martin Brough on drums, with Steve Holt and Phil Lawn on guitars.

Their first demo tape comprised five tracks, one of which, 'Drifting', topped a Sounds Heavy Metal chart. A favourable review by Geoff Barton followed soon after in the newly launched rock magazine, 'Kerrang'.

In 1982, Phil Lawn left Mendes Prey and was replaced by Mark Sutcliffe (not to be confused with the guitarist of the same name from Tresspass). It was this line-up that secured a sponsorship deal with Levi Jeans after the clothing brand used one of their songs ('What the Hell') in a promotion.

The band undertook a University and club tour early in 1983 which ended with a headline slot at London's Marquee Club. In the midst of the tour, the BBC filmed the band at Leeds University, broadcasting the footage later in the year.

Following the departure of Steve Holt towards the end of 1983, the band continued to tour and record as a four-piece until splitting up in 1986. Most of this period was spent writing and recording in the studio. Much of this material finally surfaced in 2015 with the release of the band's double album, 'The Never Ending Road'.

Members Tony Boulton - bass (1979-1986) Martin Brough - drums (1979-1986) Steve Holt - guitar, backing vocals (1979-1983) Phil Lawn - guitar (1979-1981) Jih (John) Seymour - vocals (1979-1986) Mark Sutcliffe - guitar (1982-1986) Contributor Steve Allen - keyboards (1984-1986)

Discography Singles 1982: 'On To The Borderline' (B-side 'Runnin' for You'). MP Records 1986: 'Wonderland' (B-side 'Can You Believe It'). WAG Records

Album 2015: The Never Ending Road. No Remorse Records 2024: The Never Ending Road (re-release with new tracks). No Remorse Records

Compilation Album Appearances 1982: Heavy Metal Heroes Vol. II ('What the Hell'). Heavy Metal Records 1985: Parkside Steelworks ('Red Alert' and 'Cry for the World'). Leeds Independent Label