Eonian Records is proud to announce the release of ‘Hard to Tame‘, the electrifying new single and music video from melodic AOR rockers Mason. This high-energy anthem is the second single from the band’s upcoming album, ‘Seconds to Impact‘, set for worldwide release on September 1st, 2025, on CD via Eonian Records.
Exclusive pre-orders are now available at eonianrecords.com.
Led by Canadian-born multi-instrumentalist Marcus Mason, Mason delivers a bold, modern take on classic hard rock, blending soaring hooks, rich melodies, and anthemic arrangements. The core lineup features Mason (lead vocals, bass, rhythm guitar), Jimmy Katone (drums), Peter Penhallow (keyboards), and Josef “Peppi” Gebhard (lead guitar), a seasoned ensemble known for their tight musical chemistry and high-octane performances.
Following the success of their 2024 debut ‘I Can’t Wait‘ (Lions Pride Music) (review here), Mason returns with ‘Seconds to Impact‘, a record that pushes their signature sound to new heights. From stadium-ready rockers to emotionally charged ballads, the album promises a dynamic listening experience for AOR and melodic rock fans worldwide.
‘Hard to Tame‘ showcases the heaviest side of the Mason sound to date. “We wanted to do something that grabs you by surprise, and this song definitely sets the tone and excitement of the album,” says Marcus Mason. “It speaks to the challenges of clashing personalities in relationships, some people adapt and grow, while others are, quite simply, hard to tame.”
From Jimmy Katone’s powerful intro drum fill to Rick Mead’s searing lead guitar work, supported by Mason’s gritty rhythm guitars and soaring vocals, Peter Penhallow’s atmospheric keys, and Gary Green on bass, the track captures the full throttle energy of a band firing on all cylinders
Joining the Eonian Records roster marks a full-circle moment for Marcus Mason. “I’ve been a fan of Eonian since 2009. I still remember my first purchases, Charlemagne, Pistol Dawn, Shake City,” he reflects. “To now be part of their artist family is incredibly meaningful. Huge thanks to Stephen Craig and Ryan Northrop and for believing in this project.”
Line-up:
Marcus Mason on Lead Vocals, Bass, & Rhythm Guitar
Josef “Peppi” Gebhard on Lead Guitar
Peter Penhallow on Keyboards
Jimmy Katone on Drums
Featuring an All-Star Line-up:
In addition to the core band, Seconds to Impact showcases an impressive roster of guest musicians:
Rick Mead on Guitars (Helix, Syre, Platinum Overdose)
Markus Pfeffer on Guitars (Barnabas Sky, Atlantis Drive, Lazerus Dream)
Jon Willoughby on Guitars (Bombay, Rio, Big Talk, Leo Lyons Band, Starseedz)
John McAfee on Guitars (The Affair, Big Game, Whitehead & Mac)
Steve Rodford on Percussion (Rio, Leo Lyons Band, John Verity, Asia, The Zombies)
tSooraj (Snarm) on Backing Vocals
Tim Thompson on Backing Vocals (Aces Wild, Abandoned Souls)
“Working with this incredible group of artists has been a career highlight,” Mason adds. “They each brought something exceptional to the music.”
About the Artist: Marcus Mason (Ma-Zone):
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Marcus Mason, (pronounced Ma-Zone), has been a passionate force in the music scene since the early 2000s. Born in 1988, Marcus has spent nearly two decades honing his craft, both on stage and in the studio, driven by a deep love for the golden eras of hard rock and pop.
“Growing up in the ’90s and early 2000s, I was captivated by the bold melodies and polished production of late ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s rock,” Marcus shares. “While my peers gravitated toward rap, hip-hop, and punk rock revival, I was chasing unforgettable hooks, vibrant synths, thunderous drums, and soaring choruses, elements that now define my sound.”
In 2024, Marcus released his highly anticipated debut album, ‘I Can’t Wait‘, via Lions Pride Music. The album was met with widespread critical acclaim from key voices in the melodic rock community, including Simon Smith (Fireworks Magazine), Manuel Campos Ruiz (Viri AOR), and Chris O’Connor (Rockposer.com). The praise culminated in ‘I Can’t Wait‘ being ranked the #6 Album of the Year by Germany’s Rock IT Magazine, as selected by renowned reviewer Jörg Bonszkowski.
Commercially, the album made an impressive debut, hitting #17 in monthly sales at Germany’s Pride & Joy Music Store and selling out its initial pressing. In Japan, the record climbed to #2 in monthly sales at Beyond Battle Records Store during November and December 2024. Almost one year later (June 2025) it was still a top 10 best seller in the Hard Rock Category.
Radio also embraced the album with open arms. singles “One Life‘, ‘I Can’t Wait‘, and ‘My Desire‘ all reached the top 5 on R.Y.A.N. Radio, including multiple #1 placements between October and December 2024. Accompanying music videos for these tracks have gained significant traction on YouTube: “One Life‘ (27,000 views), ‘I Can’t Wait‘ (23,000 views), and ‘My Desire‘ (12,000 views).
With a sound rooted in classic rock yet unmistakably fresh, Marcus Mason is redefining modern melodic rock, delivering anthemic music with heart, hooks, and lasting impact.
Beyond the spotlight:
In addition to his solo success, Marcus has built a strong reputation as a producer and collaborator. His work on reissue and legacy projects has garnered international acclaim, with several albums topping digital and physical sales charts.
Notable highlights include:
Hit The Ground Runnin’ – Sudden Impact: #1 on Japan’s Burrn! Import Rock Chart (Feb 2022)
Hit The Ground Runnin’ – Control Yourself: #15 on Burrn! (July 2023)
Total Stranger – Total Stranger, Doug Varty – Keep the Dream Alive: Sold out all pressings; top 10 seller at Pride & Joy Music (Germany)
Equus – Equus: Top 10 selling album of the year at Pride & Joy Music (Germany)
Other successful releases under Marcus’s production umbrella include:
Rio – Borderland, Jukebox Heroes – Jukebox Heroes, Big Game – Big Game, George Hills – George Hills, Eye – Anthology, Friction – Friction, IZOD – Overdrive, and GNP – GNP.
Author & Media Presence:
Marcus is also a published author and media personality. His book The Greatest Rock and Roll Band You Never Heard Of became a #1 rock title on Amazon and led to an appearance on Breakfast Television in Toronto, further cementing his influence beyond the music industry.
Tracklist:
- Hard To Tame
- All I Ever Wanted
- Waiting For You
- You Don’t Know Me
- How I (Carry On)
- Crime Of Love
- Never Be This Way
- Crescent Moon
- Long Way to Go
- It Doesn’t Matter Anymore
- Lost And Lonely
- Picking Up the Pieces (Bonus Track)
- Baptized By Fire (Bonus Track)
Web Links:
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