Lion Music has set an October 6 release date for the debut solo album from TWINSPIRITS and KHYMERA guitarist Tommy Ermolli, entitled "Step Ahead".

According to a press release, "Step Ahead" sees Ermolli, 21, "delivering nine tracks predominantly in a rock setting showing both his melodic and virtuosic guitar styles. These tracks are mirrored with a couple of softer numbers for good measure. All of which showcase Tommy's guitar and compositional skill with strong production values."

Aided by his TWINSPIRITS colleagues Daniele Liverani (keyboards), Dario Ciccioni (drums and percussion) and Alberto Rigoni (bass), Ermolli's solo debut is a very accessible guitar album, featuring strong melodies and interesting compositions.

Tommy's influences include Joe Satriani, Andy Timmons, Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert and John Petrucci. While traces of these musicians can be heard in a few tracks, there is also an original style at play, something which is also apparent in Tommy's band works.

Commented Tommy, "I started to write the album in 2004, after a really sad event that happened in my family. We lost a dear relative in a car accident and so I wrote 'Magic'; that was his nickname among his friends. The song is dedicated to him. After that, I decided to write all the other songs and so a 'solo' album took shape. As I have a pro studio at my home, I recorded almost everything there over the last few years. The drums were recorded at New Frontiers Recording Studio in Rovigo, Italy. There we also did the mix and the master. When I had the final master in my hands I looked for someone to release it and my Lion Music connection through TWINSPIRITS came in handy!”

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