SOLAR FLARE is just one of those bands. It is quite obvious from the first listen to their self-titled debut that the talent level involved here is beyond reproach. Formed in Cincinnati, OH in 2014, the band promotes themselves as Power Metal, and the music on this first release hits you with a strong nod to the Progressive side in their delivery. It is very obvious that the band has worked their collective ass off to get to where they are now; I'm certain working many late-night club gigs in an area I know personally to be extremely competitive. They have honed their craft to a razor's edge.

I love their work, and I would LOVE to see them in a live setting, where I am certain they would shine. As badly as I hate to say it, the mix on this debut does them absolutely no favors whatsoever. The mix buries the vocal and guitar tracks in a muddy mess. The bottom end sounds thin, and listening to what is coming through, you know there is no good reason for it.

The album opens with "Medieval," with its bombastic, bordering on brutal, intro riffs. The song is very well written, and Jackson's vocal talent is amazing. The track instantly reminded me of some of the earlier works of QUEENSRYCHE (EP) or FATES WARNING (pre "No Exit"- with John Arch). The aforementioned mix is the only thing that holds us down here. The guitar solo is buried so deeply that it sounds anemic, for example. It is truly a shame, because it ruins what is otherwise a fantastic opening track.

"Born To Burn" is another very good song that falls victim to the mix. Another thundering intro, another great vocal performance from Ethan Jackson, and Cavalaris' drum work is outstanding. I have no real complaint here as far as the writing is concerned on any of these songs. Again, the guitar work is fantastic, at least what you can hear of it is. Everything is well crafted - except for that fucking mix. "A World In My Head" closes out, and it may be my favorite cut from the record. Heavy in presentation and in subject matter, the seven-minute epic is extraordinary.

Everything about these guys screams "HELL YEAH!". They deserve much better than the hand they have been dealt by their production team, and mark my words, when it comes, they will make one helluva splash.