Album Review | Secret Rule – UNInVERSE

Secret Rule
UNInVERSE
Label: Lucky Bob Records / SPV
Out: November 24^th, 2023
Playing time: 44:37

The Italian Symphonic Metallers Secret Rule have been going from strength to strength. Since 2019, a new studio album has been released every year. And so it seems to continue. “UNInVERSE” was released in November. And this despite repeated line-up changes. Only founding members Angela Di Vincenzo (vocals) and Andy Menario (guitar, keyboards) are a constant in the band. Also since the 2022 output “The Resilient”, the positions on bass and drums had to be filled. Since I had rated this album as less successful in my review, I am curious to see whether Secret Rule have now got their act together again.

“Disorder” starts with male clear vocals and epic choruses. But soon you can hear front woman Angela Di Vincenzo and enjoy her voice. Here she mainly uses her Rock voice. A melodic introduction. “Equilibrium” starts quietly with e-piano sounds. But soon epic bombast can be heard, as known from Within Temptation, among others. Besides Rock vocals, Angela’s soprano also comes into its own here. Accompanied by powerful guitars as well as the power of the low frequency section (bass, drums). In “Shards Of Time” the guitars are roasting. Industrial synths can be heard in the background. And the drums drive forward. After a quiet introduction, “Gravity On Us” also changes to pompous Symphonic Power Metal. The title track “Uninverse” starts with an orchestral introduction. And is also more calmly laid out later. Even though especially guitar and drums provide a powerful sound. A beautiful power ballad. And Andy Menario shines again and again with short melodic guitar solos. With its Industrial gimmicks, “I Am” is reminiscent of earlier works by the Italians. But here, too, it is upgraded with Symphonic Epic. “Time Zero” offers a bit more Industrial sound, but also remains melodic. Angela sings with a strong, now and then slightly alienated voice. Sacred organ sounds can be heard at the beginning of “Multiple Me”, choruses start before the guitars join in. Every now and then the vocals remind me of Sharon den Adel. There is also a Within Temptation touch to the sound. So Secret Rule obviously like to use Industrial borrowings. Nevertheless, strings are also heard later on in “From Null To Life”. And Angela Di Vincenzo’s voice dominates again. Well staged by the rhythm section. The closing song “Black Hole” is no exception. Although, this song is again calm, with string carpets and acoustic guitars. The second ballad of the album. Very contemplative.

“UNInVERSE” is an album with ten good to very good Symphonic Metal songs. There is no real hit, but that was probably not intended. If you want to point out one song, then probably the ballad “Black Hole”, which forms the crowning conclusion. And to my question at the beginning. Yes, in my opinion Secret Rule have done many things better than on their predecessor. This album is a masterpiece of Symphonic Metal. I would like to have more of that.

Lineup:

Angela Di Vincenzo – Vocals
Andy Menario – Guitar, Keys
Nick Pedron – Bass
Sebastiano Dolzani – Drums

Track list:

• Disorder
• Equilibrium
• Shards of Time
• Gravity On Us
• UNInVERSE
• I Am
• Time Zero
• Multiple Me
• From Null To Life
• Black Hole