PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
The first review of the year is always a good one to say the least, even though i’m not really a fan of AOR, it takes a lot to impress me, but Timson AOR have got me eating lots of humble pie due to the quality of their soon to be released sophomore album The Next Level on February 28th 2025, with a pre-sale on January 12th.
Opening track ‘The Wind Whispers’ “(Your Name)”, to be released as a single on January 13th, hits hard with a big fat riff to send this heart melter on swathes of melodic rock majesty. Choruses are instant earworms to carry this charming tune towards a lengthy guitar outro.
‘One Step Ahead’ has touches of ‘Burning Heart’ which is no bad thing. Once again, a sumptuous lead vocal is delivered with 100% conviction and the backing vocals are no slouch either that send the choruses to the stratosphere, but a midway guitar solo zooms up the fretboard to steal the show.
The instantly smile inducing ‘Nevermore’ tells of a love lost but still gives a message of hope. A prominent rhythm section pins everything down with an iron fist.
‘Starlight’ flies out of the traps on sugar sweet choruses and a drum cavalcade for one of the heaviest songs here.
A second helping of thought provoking lyrics hit the spot in ‘Be True To Yourself’. It gallops along for a first to the finish line trophy winner of pomp and circumstance, and but nirvana isn’t reached until the final guitar solo subsides.
‘From The Ashes’ is one of the most jaw dropping power ballads I’ve heard for quite some time to melt the coldest of hearts.
Choruses arrive early to put their mark on ‘Wake The Night’. It’s a soothing opus that breezes along on guitar overload to test the metal mettle of your audio system.
If you want guitars, you got em as ‘The Last Ride’ is a pomp rocking plaudit grabbing tune that raises the bar higher.
‘Where The Sun Meets The Sea’ is akin to being in the eye of the storm, whipped up by fretboard ferocity, another workout for the air guitarists.
Check out the choruses for ‘Midnight Radio’ as these beauties lay down a path for whammy bar mayhem!
Of course the way most of these songs have been crafted, the final track, ‘Farewell’ is a ballad, closing the curtains after just under three beautiful minutes.
Timson AOR info :- https://www.facebook.com/groups/714940553903814
And I’d like to dedicate my review to Catherine J. Campbell, a tireless worker to the scene.
Nottingham born Mark Timson, after playing guitar for over fifty years took a step back from his axe for a long awaited forty year break to write and release ‘The Next Level’, highlighting his passion for AOR, and melodic rock from that era. First collaboration was the debut album Forever’s Not Enough on January 12th 2024.
The Next Level album personnel :-
Mark Timson – Guitars/Bass Guitar/ Keys/Synths/Drum Programming/.
Lukky S – Vocals/Lead Guitar/Bass Guitar/Keys.
The Next Level album track listing :-
The Wind Whispers “(Your Name)”.
One Step Ahead.
Nevermore.
Starlight.
Be True To Yourself.
From The Ashes.
Wake The Night.
The Last Ride.
Where The Sun Meets The Sea.
Midnight Radio.
Farewell.
