Ignitor - Year of the Metal Tiger

Yeah, you know him as the lead vocalist from 80's rockers Dangerous Toys, but did you know that Jason McMaster also fronts a couple of other projects.  Jason McMaster is no stranger to the scene; he once fronted the iconic techno-thrash band Watchtower, as well as his band after DT, Broken Teeth and his newest endeavor Evil United.  Busy dude! Jason is one of those killer vocalists that just seems to fly under the radar.  He is a very versatile vocalist. in that he can sing the more melodic style of Dangerous Toys, as well as be able to turn it up a notch, and sing more metallic with a band like Ignitor.  Year of the Metal Tiger is the second release that McMaster has fronted for the band.  The sound is basic meat and potatoes classic metal.

Ignitor is rooted in classic metal with an up to date sound.  The songs are closely rooted in the vein of classic Judas Priest (Jason lets out some Halford-esque screams at times).  Year of the Tiger is a 7 track release that packs a nice punch of old school metal.  Tracks like Shadow of the Needle and Beast in Black will get the fist pumpin and head banging within seconds.  The lyrics are of a darker nature, which coincides with the feeling of some of the tunes.  There is a definite dark feel about this release.  Don't let that scare you off though, because like Mystic Prophecy, there are some nice melodies on this CD as well.  If you dig bands like Primal Fear and Brainstorm, then this one is right up your alley.

Bottom Line: Meat and potatoes metal.  Nothing fancy, just pure hard rocking tunes.  McMaster sounding masterful, singing some of the heaviest material I've heard his sing in a while.

Standout Tracks: Shadow of the Needle, Beast in Black, We Are Ignitor and Island of the Damned.

-Ragman thinks he needs to talk to Mr. McMaster.