 | Ian Toomey 'Masters of Light' (Metal Nation) Heavy Metal - Review by Chris Mee in Fireworks' rock magazine (Spring Edition 2017) ...Ian Toomey's energy shines through in the guitar playing on every track. The production and sound are first class... Masters of lights is the second solo album from Bitches Sin guitarist Ian Toomey following on from his 2015 release 'Ascension'. Chris Tsangarides handles the production and also plays bass and additional guitar with the line-up competed by long time BS vocalist Dave Mills and Steve Turton on drums. |
First impressions are of an eighties, almost dare I say it NWOBHM vibe but with modern production values which is no real surprise given a producer of Chris Tsangarides' experience and ability behind the desk.
Opening track 'Underground' gets the show on the road as the first of eight tracks and is a solid upbeat Rocker with some deft guitar work and interesting backing effects in the middle section that are reminiscent of Thin Lizzy's 'Jailbreak'. 'The Priest' opens with a 'Stairway to Heaven' like chord progression before the main riff kicks in and the song gets into its stride. This is then followed by 'Only Words' which is a fitting tribute too the late Gary Moore in a TL style.
"We Are The One' and 'Burning Up', with its infectious guitar hook, take up the middle ground and drive along nicely, while 'Another World' hits you between the eyes with its thunderous driving bas line before assaulting you with an ear shattering riff. A fittingly poignant 'Too Many Goodbyes' wraps up this fine effort with the only complaint that with only eight songs, I was left wanting more - so when is the follow-up?
This is a release that should appeal to those with a leaning towards eighties Classic Rock music and who enjoy listening to good old classic British riff-based songs. The production and sound are first class and Ian Toomey's energy shines through in the guitar playing on every track. Stand out tracks for me would be 'Devils Chord', with its Metallica like vibe and increasing energy to the final note and 'Another World' which just begs to be played loud - guaranteed to shake your fillings loose.
Chris Mee
Fireworks' rock magazine (Spring Edition 2017)
Opening track 'Underground' gets the show on the road as the first of eight tracks and is a solid upbeat Rocker with some deft guitar work and interesting backing effects in the middle section that are reminiscent of Thin Lizzy's 'Jailbreak'. 'The Priest' opens with a 'Stairway to Heaven' like chord progression before the main riff kicks in and the song gets into its stride. This is then followed by 'Only Words' which is a fitting tribute too the late Gary Moore in a TL style.
"We Are The One' and 'Burning Up', with its infectious guitar hook, take up the middle ground and drive along nicely, while 'Another World' hits you between the eyes with its thunderous driving bas line before assaulting you with an ear shattering riff. A fittingly poignant 'Too Many Goodbyes' wraps up this fine effort with the only complaint that with only eight songs, I was left wanting more - so when is the follow-up?
This is a release that should appeal to those with a leaning towards eighties Classic Rock music and who enjoy listening to good old classic British riff-based songs. The production and sound are first class and Ian Toomey's energy shines through in the guitar playing on every track. Stand out tracks for me would be 'Devils Chord', with its Metallica like vibe and increasing energy to the final note and 'Another World' which just begs to be played loud - guaranteed to shake your fillings loose.
Chris Mee
Fireworks' rock magazine (Spring Edition 2017)
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