FLASHPOINT, formed in 1987 and is the solo outfit of former B**CHES SIN guitar player Ian Toomey, which is more than just a continuation of this legendary NWOBHM outfit. Although there are some ex members in the line up of this band, the music of FLASHPOINT definitely has a more melodic approach than the bone hard, heavy metal of B**CHES SIN. Ian and his brother Pete teamed up with Steve Turton on drums and Kev Graham on vocals and bass. Frank Quegan and Dave Rosingana joined the ranks for the recordings adding some backing vocals and keyboards to some of the songs of their debut album 'No Point Of Reference'. Thus, a new post NWOBHM band was born, who presented themselves to the world by means of this wonderful debut album. An album that didn't only show us the more melodic approach of the Toomey brothers, but it also proved that these guys still know how to play some mean guitar riffs and solos. The flame is still burning, so to speak. What we have here, may be a big surprise to all the FLASHPOINT fans out there. 'Lazer Love' is the second album of this remarkable outfit. It contains 10 diamonds that were never released before. The album shows us the strength and the power of a band, that stopped their career much too early. Listen to the great compositions, and you'll be convinced pretty easily. Ian Toomey, founder member of FLASHPOINT, explains all about this new release that you hold in your hands right now. * Ian, I introduced FLASHPOINT as your solo project, and not as a continuation of B**CHES SIN. Can you agree with that? Yeah, it is correct to say that Toine. The title of our first album is 'No Point Of Reference' for that very reason. I wanted to be judged on this new music in isolation from B**CHES SIN and not as a continuation. * Why did you decide to set out a more melodic direction for this band? I loved B**CHES SIN and their unique brand of Heavy Metal but there is much more I wanted to say musically and especially with my lead guitar work so after the classic 'INVADERS' album I thought it was time to move on after achieving such a high acclaim with that album. I have always been a fan of guitarists like Michael Schenker and FLASHPOINT would allow me to explore that more melodic aspect of my playing. * You already released 'No Point Of Reference' on CD. Did you sell many copies of this album, and how are the reactions of the fans on this release so far? We have been selling quite well with the 'No Point Of Reference 'CD and have had some very good reviews and feedback from fans. This has encouraged us to release the new FLASHPOINT CD 'Lazer Love'. * Must we see 'Lazer Love' as a new album, or were these songs written some while ago already and were they originally meant to be released as a second FLASHPOINT album in the late eighties? Lazer Love is an anthology of FLASHPOINT material up to recent times with 'All My Love' being the latest recording. Some songs are from what was to be the second album such as 'Cruisin' but most chart our occasional visits to the recording studios over the intervening years. * Any reason why the album was called 'Lazer Love'? Yes. I wrote Lazer Love with Frank and an image of the song has always been very clear in my mind featuring Knights Templar, Jacques De Molay with piercing Lazer blue eyes. We recorded and mixed the track in a day with the guitar solo being performed first take on a Fender Stratocaster that I had never played before. The whole session was very special and so it is fitting that the album carries this title 'Lazer Love'. * What's the status of FLASHPOINT right now? Are you back together again as a band, and if yes who is in the line up of the reformed FLASHPOINT? FLASHPOINT has not reformed. We are releasing the CD purely to ensure that the fans have a complete collection of our recordings and to show the strength of our playing. We are very proud of 'No Point Of Reference' and are equally proud of "Lazer Love'. * What's the line up of the band that we hear on this new album? Same line-up as 'No Point Of Reference' except with 'Lazer Love' Frank sang lead vocals on a couple of tracks. So on bass guitar and lead vocals we have Kev, 'Speedy' Steve on drums, Ian and Pete on guitars. * What's your favourite song on the album and why? Tough call Toine but it would be 'All My Love'. * Will you also be touring with FLASHPOINT in the future? No. This is due to commitments with B**CHES SIN. * Can we also be expecting any new material of FLASHPOINT in the (near) future, and what can people expect from this new material? The concept of FLASHPOINT was to be my solo project. In some regards FLASHPOINT became very successful very quickly. For me this needs to remain a 'moment in time' and so it might be that there are no further FLASHPOINT recordings we will have to wait and see. * Where can people get more information about FLASHPOINT? Any queries for FLASHPOINT can be sent to info@bitchessin.co.uk * Is there anything you want to say to the buyer of this new release? The CD you have in your hands contains music written and played by some of the best rock musicians and songwriters around. We in FLASHPOINT are very proud of 'Lazer Love' and I am sure you will enjoy listening to 'Lazer Love' as much as we do. As you can see, this is the swansong in the career of FLASHPOINT. People that will not be surprised by this new release, will definitely be blown away by the great new material. The high skilled musicianship of these British rockers comes back to life again. And if you still need to be convinced that British metal is still alive, then I'd suggest to have a good listen to the 10 songs on this new album 'Lazer Love'. What more proof can you possibly need?? Enjoy this once hidden treasure, which is now finally presented to you by the people who also brought you the 'No Point Of Reference' album. FLASHPOINT is alive, long live FLASHPOINT, and welcome back to the land of the living! Toine van Poorten Headache magazine/January 2005