When former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr joined Praying Mantis in 1985 the new band became known as Stratus - the remaining personnel comprising Bernie Shaw (vocals), Tino Troy (guitar), Alan Nelson (keyboards), and Chris Troy (bass). Moving away from the formularized New Wave Of British Heavy Metal approach, Stratus employed the extensive use of keyboards and multi-part vocal harmonies. They debuted with Throwing Shapes, a lacklustre pomp-rock album lacking both in energy and quality songs. The album fared badly and the band split up soon after it was released. Bernie Shaw went on to join Uriah Heep.