Mason: Imminent Impact Approaching | Metalheads Forever Magazine
MASON, the Canadian Melodic Hard Rock / AOR band, has recently inked a record deal with the US-based label Eönian Records, paving the way for the release of their upcoming album “Seconds To Impact.” Fronted by Marcus Mason, who handles vocals, bass, and rhythm guitar, the band presents a fresh take on Classic Hard Rock while staying true to their musical roots. Known for their dynamic chemistry and musical precision, the band achieved success with their 2024 debut album “I Can’t Wait” under Lions Pride Music, and now aims to elevate their sound with “Seconds To Impact.”
The album kicks off with “Hard To Tame,” setting the tone with catchy Melodic Rock showcasing the exceptional vocal talents of Marcus Mason. Lead guitarist Josef Gebhard shines right from the start, demonstrating his skills on the strings. Tracks like “All I Ever Wanted” offer easy-to-digest AOR with a creative touch, while “Waiting For You” picks up the pace without straying too far from mid-tempo territory. The rhythmic “How I Carry On” features beautiful guitar melodies complemented by discreet riffs that set the tempo alongside drums and bass. Even in tracks like “Crime Of Love,” where the guitars heat up, the mid-tempo beats and harmonious guitar solos remain prominent. The album maintains a lively pace with well-crafted melodies in songs like “Never Be This Way,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Long Way To Go,” and “Lost And Lonely,” showcasing MASON’s dedication to delivering beautiful, catchy, and varied melodic arcs. While the album may lack tempo variety, the inclusion of the soothing ballad “Crescent Moon” and the slightly more rocking “Picking Up The Pieces” add depth to the overall composition.
“Seconds To Impact” lives up to its promise as a collection of timeless Rock songs. While MASON may not have reinvented AOR or Melodic Hard Rock with this album, they have certainly upheld the genre’s legacy with excellence. The record is a captivating listening experience that showcases the band’s musical prowess and commitment to their craft.
The lineup of MASON includes Marcus Mason on Lead Vocals, Bass, and Rhythm Guitar, Josef “Peppi” Gebhard on Lead Guitar, Peter Penhallow on Keyboards, and Jimmy Katone on Drums. The album features a tracklist that includes standout songs like “Hard To Tame,” “All I Ever Wanted,” “Waiting For You,” “You Don’t Know Me,” and more, culminating in a Bonus Track titled “Picking Up the Pieces” and “Baptized By Fire.”
Overall, “Seconds To Impact” by MASON earns an impressive rating of 8.5 out of 10, making it a must-listen for fans of Melodic Hard Rock and AOR music. The album showcases the band’s talent, creativity, and dedication to delivering a memorable musical experience.