SOLE SYNDICATE are a modern metal fourpiece, hailing from Sweden. They formed in 2015, consequently releasing their debut body of work "Garden of Eden" two years later in 2017. After a short three-year break, SOLE SYNDICATE went on to reveal two new singles "Brothers" and "...and the Truth Will Set You Free" to promote their upcoming second release. Fast forward a couple of weeks and they reveal their second studio album "Last Days of Eden" in late November 2020. In more recent times, SOLE SYNDICATE released two brand new songs "Forsaken" and "Brave Enough", both featured on their third album "Into the Flames", which was released on June 17th, 2022, via Scarlet Records.

The first track on the album is "Forsaken", which gets me intrigued from the first second with the prominent eerie sounds, before evolving into a keyboard-oriented metal track - just irresistible from the first listen! Jonas Månsson's vocals really suit this specific genre, with his voice just catapulting me back in time for some reason. This is a truly excellent song to start the record off with, with his musical talents really shining through! "Count to Zero" starts off on the right foot with a modern rock style riff doing all the talking. This track has a few power metal style elements throughout, with  Månsson's vocals almost sounding like POWERWOLF's KARSTEN BRILL at times. "Brave Enough" starts off with a powerful guitar melody, before leaping into yet another catchy chorus, making this another great song on this release.

"Shadow of My Love" contains a soft keyboard style introduction, before going straight in with Jonas Månsson's amazing vocals. This is more of a ballad type track, which is a lovely change from the fast-paced songs witnessed earlier on in the record. This is most definitely a song that is worth a listen! "Miss Behave" is up next, in which the infectious guitar riff instantly gets you hooked! As the song goes on, it really shows SOLE SYNDICATE at its best. There is absolutely nothing bad to say about this song, it is truly magic! "Dust of Angels" is the sixth track on this release. This is similar to the last, as its long lasting catchy riff really helps to set the scene of the song. However, this has more of a ballad type feel. With "Sunset Strip", I really love how SOLE SYNDICATE are experimental and willing to try something new. The song begins with almost ABBA like synths, before quickly evolving into their unbeatable metal sound. "Do You Believe" takes a very different turn though, probably being their weakest track on the album. "In the Absence of Light" has very much a METALLICA feel from the offset, with the introduction sounding similar to "Nothing Else Matters". However, this track is just as weak as the last, unfortunately.

"Freak Like Me" is up next, which is slightly better than the last two tracks. It is such a shame that the latter part of the album just doesn't seem to have much substance. "Back Against the Wall" is the second to last track on the release. It appears things are looking up, as my ears are blessed with a catchy guitar riff from the get-go! Maybe SOLE SYNDICATE have redeemed themselves?! The final song "Into the Flames" is yet another track that has a solid METALLICA feel about it. The track lacks memorability. However, there is no denying that the instrumentals are truly incredible. There are certainly mixed feelings about this being the closer on the album.

Overall, SOLE SYNDICATE's "Into the Flames" is a mixed bag. It appears they were onto a good thing with the first few tracks of the album, but sadly, as time went on the album got less and less interesting. On the other hand, I really appreciate how they clearly have influences, yet they aren't trying to be a carbon copy of them as a result. They are really attempting to be different here, which has got to be respected. Because of this, I genuinely look forward to seeing what SOLE SYNDICATE do next!