Mason – Seconds to Impact 2025

Mason fronted by Canadian born multi instrumentalist Marcus Mason also features a powerhouse line up consisting of Josef “Peppi” Gebhard,Peter Penhallow and Jimmy Katone seasoned musicians who are known for their musical precision and chemistry.”Seconds To Impact” also features an all star line up of guest musicians which includes Markus Pfeffer (Barnabos Sky),Rick Mead (Helix)

just to name a few.Through Lions Pride Music,Mason released their debut album “I Can’t Wait” in 2024 which received critical acclaim including Simon Smith (Fireworks Magazine) and Chris O Connor(Rock Poser.com).The initial pressing of “I Can’t Wait” sold out and was a 17th best monthly seller on Pride & Joy Music and number 2 at Beyond Battle Record Store in Japan during November and December 2024.The singles “I Can’t Wait”,”One Life” and “One Desire” ended up in the top 5 on R.Y.A.N. Radio.Now for the follow up Mason have signed to Eonian Records which is more than just a milestone for Marcus Mason,it’s the fulfilment of a life long dream.

Having been a huge fan of the debut album,when the follow was announced I was really looking forward to “Seconds To Impact”,so when I received this I played it straight away and I just had to do this review & I just had to share my thoughts.The guitar led start to the opening track “Hard To Tame” drew me in straight away a solid start to this album with the smooth vocals and the superb AOR melodies and the guitar solo towards the latter end of the track is melodic goodness.”All I Ever Wanted” which is the first single has nostalgic 80’s running through the heart of it the chilled rock with & pop touches, which back in the day would have been played to death on the airwaves and would have been a sure fire hit record. The nostalgic & modern formula flows through this album with tracks like “Waiting On You” which is catchy from the first note,the deep bass tone is so cool perfectly balanced mix with the steady drum patterns and great guitars with a catchy chorus,”How I Carry On” is another great hard rock offering with superb qualities,Marcus Mason’s voice is so good with a distinctive cool tone.”Crime Of Love” stays in the realms of AOR/melodic but has edgier guitar galloping guitar riffs.Another solid rock moment is “Never Be This Way” again guitar led with a punchy chorus and melody.”Crescent Moon” is a more bluesy soulful west coast style track more laid back vocals & melodies with a great bluesy guitar solo perfect for those late night summer evenings.Staying in the zone is the infectious “You Don’t Know Me” which again has that instant likeability factor which is instant melodic rock gold with the momentum not waning “Long Way To Go”,”It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” with superb key touches and smooth melodic guitar riffs & runs which are a joy to listen to as pure AOR/hard rock fills my room!”Lost And Lonely” after a synth/orchestral lead in brings in a solid chugging guitar riffs,deep bass groove and the chorus is an anthemic harmonic affair.”Baptized By Fire” is a great finale to end the album on a solid, rock track with a sing a long anthemic chorus. There’s only one thing for it…PRESS PLAY AND DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!

“Seconds To Impact” is a superb blend of nostalgic AOR rock with modern elements which run through the heart of this record.Superb smooth hard rock which is faultless great melodies,great rhythm,superb guitars and smooth clear vocals of the highest quality in every track.The debut “I Can’t Wait” was a superb album but “Seconds To Impact” sees Mason turn it up a gear and deliver in my opinion one of the best AOR records this year.If you love AOR/melodic rock do not pass this one up! Available via Eonian Records released 1st September.

1.Hard To Tame
2.All I Ever Wanted
3.Waiting On You
4.You Don’t Know Me
5.How I (Carry On)
6.Crime Of Love
7.Never Been This Way
8.Crescent Moon
9.Long Way To Go
10.It Doesn’t Matter Anymore
11.Lost And Lonely
12.Picking Up The Pieces (Bonus Track)
13.Baptized By Fire (Bonus Track)

Marcus Mason – Lead Vocals,Bass & Rhythm Guitar
Josef “Peppi” Gebhard – Lead Guitar
Peter Penhallow – Keyboards
Jimmy Katone – Drums