Rebel Rose – In The Dark She Grows

Rebel Rose
In The Dark She Grows
Out: 2^nd October 2026
Playing time: 39:33

Rebel Rose is the musical statement of Swiss singer and artist Sara Runco (formerly of Out of Gravity and Chapter Seven) – powerful, independent, and deeply rooted in classic heavy metal and hard rock

She had decided to create her own musical language. Whilst recording her first album, she met guitarist Dario Michielini (formerly of Megawatt and Fallout) and drummer Stefan Häberli (Comaniac). The chemistry between the three of them clicked straight away. Later on, bassist Fabian Volkers and guitarist Sandro Vanetti joined the line-up. Little by little, a unique dynamic emerged – resulting in a powerful, honest and uncompromising sound that can be heard on their debut album, ‘In The Dark She Grows’.

It shows a great deal of self-confidence that the band’s eponymous track, ‘Rebel Rose’, opens the album. The rebellious rose, Sara Runco, shows the listener straight away where things are headed. Her powerful vocals are accompanied by heavy twin guitar riffs and solos. Drummer Fabian Volkers sets the rhythm. The rhythmic ‘Where The Forgotten Wait’ is also rousing and is clearly characterised by Sara’s dark timbre. Once again, both guitarists provide plenty of punch. The chorus is sure to encourage fans to sing along at gigs. Meanwhile, the guitar solos are sure to be a treat for headbangers. Heavy drums introduce ‘Don’t Panic!’. Then the riffs really ramp up the tempo. Afterwards, Rebel Rose unleash their ‘Inner Animal’. The guitars sound heavy, weird and loud. But loudness is no problem for the female vocalist. Her powerful voice can easily keep up. And I hardly need to say much more about the powerful guitar solos. Contrary to the song title ‘Louder Than Before’, the noise level is barely turned up. A very melodic song with a few ‘ohohoh’ passages. Driven by guitar riffs. After that, Rebel Rose are really ‘Under Fire’. Fast riffs and guitar solos fan the flames even further. Sara shines with plenty of vibrato in her vocals. Subdued drumming can be heard at the start of ‘Follow The Moon’. The guitar chords are rhythmic, and the singer also holds back a little. But no, this isn’t a ballad, but a mid-tempo anthem. With a magnificent guitar solo. For me, this song is quite clearly the highlight of the album, or at least one of the highlights. ‘Maiden Voyage’ doesn’t set any new speed records either, although the drums and guitars do set a driving rhythm. Once again, it’s very melodic. On ‘You Can’t Escape The Wolf’, the guitars are blazing right from the start, and the drums keep pushing forward. Unfazed by this, Sara Runco’s vocals are at times more subdued. The track ‘Paranoid And Self-Destroyed’ promises plenty in terms of heaviness, speed and chaos. The heaviness is certainly there, but the rhythm is somewhat restrained and, once again, combined with catchy melodies.

‘In The Dark She Grows’ is a very good melodic Metal album. Sara Runco is indeed emerging from the shadows to become a new Metal queen. She is supported by outstanding musicians, who impressively manage to showcase their ‘boss’ perfectly. I particularly like the album artwork, as it fits the title very well.

Rebel Rose – Don’t Panic!: https://youtu.be/346wNnrVJ2E?si=YPXYwnSvJPL76KC_

Lineup:

Sara Runco – Vocals
Dario Michielini – Guitar
Sandro Vanetti – Guitar
Stefan Häberli – Drums
Fabian Volkers – Bass

Track list:

• Rebel Rose
• Where The Forgotten Wait
• Don’t Panic!
• Inner Animal
• Louder Than Before
• Under Fire
• Follow The Moon
• Maiden Voyage
• You Can’t Escape The Wolf
• Paranoid And Self-Destroyed