We may have to wait a little longer until we can enjoy live music again, but luckily Solar Flare are here with their debut release that will no doubt fill that empty void. In a time where we find it a little darker than we would like or a little harder to smile, Solar Flare's hard rocking Power Metal style gives us the strength to go on fighting.

The 5 brave warriors of Solar Flare have been slaying audiences in the Cincinnati scene for over 6 years now, opening for such heavy metal juggernauts as Sonata Artica, Crobot and even the mighty Anthrax. If you are a fan of early NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal), Power Metal, Iron Maiden or just like to crank your music to 11, you will find plenty to love here.

The album hits hard from the get go with the opening track, Medieval. The song has the feel and pull that you are about to embark on some sort of grand adventure with the sing along chorus and some great guitar riffs and melodies. Singer Ethan Jackson brings you back to a time when Metal was ready to slay the world.

Oftentimes when bands have an "old school" sound, it can feel forced or even a gimmick. That is not the case here. Solar Flare's Power Metal and NWOBH style feels fresh and exciting throughout this album. Every song delivers and it is hard to believe that this is the band's debut album. Even the production is on point. If I had to pick out a stand out track, I'd choose Nous Sommes. The opening hook grabs you from the beginning and refuses to let go. Add to this some awesome operatic vocals and some killer soloing for an intense track.

Do yourself a favor and pick this up when in releases on May 23rd.