"No Turning Back" opens strong with the title track chugging along in a high energy 16th note pattern that is driving and aggressive, leading to a BADLANDS style pre-chorus. The half-time drums and open chords are the perfect set-up for a grooving chorus with a big, anthemic feel. This is extremely well-crafted songwriting, no wasted space or filler, it gets right to the point. The production is stellar, the mix crystal clear and tight. Guitarist, Christian Vidal takes a surprising left turn on the solo, revealing a Petrucci flavored level of technique that builds in intensity shifting through modes and tones effortlessly.

The second track, "No Shelter" shifts down to a more relaxed tempo and vibe, bringing clean arpeggiated guitars into the verse under a layer of crunch. So many great influences are apparent here, 80's pop-metal with a modern edge. Fans of DOKKEN, KING COBRA, and BLUE MURDER will all be happy here. The most unusual comparison I found was to Last Crack's "Burning Time", another interesting melting pot of multiple styles.

The next one, "Mirror Eyes" is a real head-scratcher though, starting off with a gravelly vocal approach that is spot on DAUTRY, NICLEBACK, or CREED. These bands take a lot of criticism but if that's your cup of tea, this song nails it. The chorus is a huge, uplifting hook that flips back and forth with a dark and heavy verse. The solo is melodic and catchy and Vidal delivers again with taste, technique and restraint. There is a maturity in his playing that many prog players could learn from.

That being said, the rhythm section of Charlie Giardina and Pablo Garacho play so perfectly for the song that it's at times, too restrained. I would have welcomed a little more interplay between the guitar parts and these foundational instruments for tension and texture. That is more a matter of personal preference than any actual criticism because they do such an outstanding job here, there aren't any real flaws.

The album continues with song after song of seriously radio-hit potential melodic rock and pop-centered metal, it's just a few decades late for them to have the level of commercial success that they probably deserve. Sadly, I haven't heard a guitar solo on terrestrial radio in years so there's little chance SOULKICK will crack the Billboard Top 100 but back in 1987? Who knows?

Which brings me to vocals. While Pablo Zuccala has a strong voice and pleasing tone, there is something in his pronunciation that is distracting and off-putting for me. Again personal preference and not a criticism of talent or ability. This may be an effort to reduce an accent or challenges with English as a second language but Zuccala has a solid grip on adding bluesy bends to a straight ahead rock approach and his lyrics perfectly match the vibe of the songs.

Other standout tracks are "The Circle" which layers acoustic guitars with a floating delayed arpeggio ghosting over the top of the chords. Again, the chorus hook is uplifting and heart-felt. The solo a masterclass from a player in peak form. "Dagger" is a tight, punchy walk down a dark alley. "Running Out Of Time" a dark and foreboding warning. They end with a cover of Alice In Chain's "Would" and all I will say is I wish they Wouldn't.

SOULKICK really delivers an outstanding album here with "No Turning Back". It should be a welcome addition for any fans of 80's hard rock or even hair metal, current melodic rock, and even proggers who love instrumental ability but are tired of the wankery. Well constructed songs with impeccable mixing and mastering from Mario Altamirano make this a very enjoyable road tripper.