Secret Rule – X

Secret Rule
X
Label: Rockshots Records
Out: 24th October 2025
Playing time: 42:35

The musicians of Secret Rule from Italy are extremely productive. The band was founded in 2014 by singer Angela di Vincenzo and guitarist Andy Menarini. Ten albums have been released so far, if you count ‘Quarantine: The Other Side Of Us’, which was created under extraordinary circumstances. Ten albums in eleven years, almost one per year. That’s remarkable. However, there are already two years between ‘UNInVERSE’ and the current ‘X’. Was the release actually planned for the anniversary year? It doesn’t matter. I’ve already seen the band live twice – at FemME V 2018 in Eindhoven and when they stopped off in Hamburg on their ‘The Endless European Tour 2019’. In the pandemic year 2020, I had the opportunity to interview singer Angela di Vincenzo.

With ‘The Answer’, Secret Rule provide an answer, but to what question? Whatever. A real banger to start with. Naturally characterised by the expressive voice of front woman Angela di Vincenzo. A good mix of heaviness and melody. The second founding member, Andy Menarini, also leaves his mark on this song with his guitar solos. The bass of newcomer Sofia Basili booms along. The second newcomer, Andrea Miazzetto, also impresses with his rhythmic drumming and some Double Bass interludes. ‘Walking Down The Street’ is even more melodic, without neglecting the heaviness. A strong bass solo is laid under the vocals, followed by Double Bass attacks. The Italians can’t quite do without the synths. In ‘In The Silence’, for example, the vocals are accompanied by synths. The catchy chorus is guaranteed to be sung along loudly by the fans at live shows. Only the spoken words bother me a little here. However, the guitar solo that follows makes up for it. The synth passages in ‘Echoes Of Earth’ are melodic and fit the song well. Once again, you can enjoy the clear and powerful voice of Angela di Vincenzo. The keyboards are also used for the song’s benefit on ‘Eternal Symphony’. Angela puts a lot of emotion into her singing, which sounds fragile at times. On ‘Silent Pain’, the Italians are obviously trying to set speed records. Driven by the drums. Fast, sometimes frantic sections alternate with somewhat calmer mid-tempo passages. There are also a few screams to be heard (from Menario?). ‘Collapse’ is particularly impressive thanks to its catchy melodies, although there are also some heavy riffs thrown in. Angela’s singing partner on the beautiful ballad ‘Lost In Paradise’ is Temperance mastermind and singer Marco Pastorino (also known for his work with Serenity, Fallen Sanctuary, Virtual Symmetry, etc.). The two harmonise perfectly with each other. ‘Destiny Reloaded’ follows immediately afterwards, another contemplative (power) ballad. It only speeds up during the guitar solo, which is followed by a few screams. The contemplative mood is over with the anthem ‘Just A Sacrifice’. Here, the band rocks more again, although there are also quiet phases. A melodic chorus rounds off the whole thing. Some of the vocals are technically distorted. ‘The Storm’ is another anthem to conclude the album. Choruses and strings provide a touch of epicness. Angela’s voice is harsh in places and a little deeper. Screams can be heard one last time. But unfortunately, there are also a few spoken words again.

In my opinion, Secret Rule have released the best album of their career to date with ‘X’. Angela di Vincenzo’s vocal performance is thoroughly convincing. Her fellow musicians also do a very good job. This should allow the band to firmly establish themselves among the best Melodic Rock and Metal acts, not only in their home country, but above all internationally.

Secret Rule – Echoes of the Earth: https://youtu.be/NXuMLHQyMds?si=DWLtyXhSxTB8OaHu

Lineup:

Angela di Vincenzo – Vocals
Andy ‘Menario’ Menarini – Guitar
Sofia Basili – Bass
Andrea Miazzetto – Drums

Track list:

• The Answer
• Walking Down The Street
• In The Silence
• Echoes Of Earth
• Eternal Symphony
• Silent Pain
• Collapse
• Lost In Paradise
• Destiny Reloaded
• Just A Sacrifice
• The Storm