Mclaughlin, Stevie - Toy Empires

The Irish guitarist Stevie McLaughlin, better known for his riff attacks with the Irish metal band Sandstone and as touring guitarrist for the former Judas Priest/ex-Iced Earth singer Tim Ripper Owens, has recorded his first solo effort. ‘Toy Empires’ is the title of the ten track opus, which can be described as being between hard rock and classical heavy metal. Progressive influences are just as recognizable as are influences to his style by guitarists such as Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher, Steve Vai, John Petrucci and Pat McManus. ‘Toy Empires’ is pleasing the listener with its ten cleanly arranged, melodic hardrock/metal songs, and further recommending itself with its strong, great melodies and classical guitar parts.

Tracklist:

1. Between Life & Death
2. Shadows Alone
3. Apocrypha
4. Straw Men
5. Prophetic Skies
6. Immortal Rose
7. Chimera
8. Depletion
9. Toy Empires
10. Memories of Eden