With nine albums since their formation in 2014, Secret Rule continue to prove they don’t let a genre define them. They keep expanding their musical boundaries and adding new layers to their sound, keeping each release fresh and distinctive. Now preparing to reach double digits in studio albums and with new members joining the lineup, Secret Rule stand out as one of the most interesting bands of our time.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Angela Di Vincenzo, the mastermind behind Secret Rule, about the upcoming album, the challenges they’ve faced, the new members, and more.

We also caught up with their new bass player, Sofia Basili, to hear about her experience joining the band, her musical background, and what lies ahead.

Angela di Vincenzo

Reuel

Hello Angela! I’m delighted to chat with you again. How are you doing?

Angela

Hi Reuel, the pleasure is mine. Thank you for having me here! I’m doing pretty well, thanks for asking.

Reuel

The last time we spoke was in March 2019 after The 7 Endless came out. Since then, the world’s been through hell and back, but Secret Rule kept moving forward with five albums and another on the way. How would you describe the band’s musical evolution since then?

Angela

We’ve definitely lived through a lot too. Right after releasing Against, we had a full tour planned to support Semblant, and then everything suddenly stopped. To this day, we still feel disappointed that we didn’t get to promote that album as it deserved. But since giving up isn’t in our nature, we looked for alternative ways to stay connected with our fans, like releasing a cover album to keep the energy alive and continue creating. Musically, we evolve as people. Life changes you, and naturally, your music reflects those changes. With Mea Culpa, there was a deep emotional need to react and process what we were experiencing. The Resilient came from a place of anger and resistance, a raw response to everything going on in the world. After so much chaos, we felt the need to reconnect with something bigger, spiritually, emotionally, and universally. That feeling gave birth to UNInVERSE. And as for the next chapter… well, it’s coming soon, and it will speak for itself.

Reuel

Brilliant! “Just A Sacrifice” is the first single from the upcoming tenth album! How are you feeling about the way the fans reacted to it?

Angela

We’re truly happy and grateful for how well it’s been received. The feedback has been amazing, and the numbers speak for themselves, this is one of our best-performing singles to date. It’s a powerful track, and it’s already opening some exciting doors behind the scenes, though we can’t reveal too much just yet. This album carries a lot of weight and expectation, and we feel very confident about what’s coming next.

Reuel

How did it feel welcoming new members into a band that already has such a strong identity?

Angela

Line-up changes are never easy, and we take them very seriously. We’re always careful about choosing the right people, both musically and personally. In Andrea’s case, it felt like a natural return. He first joined Secret Rule back in 2016, so we already had a strong bond and shared understanding. It felt more like welcoming a family member home. Sofia, on the other hand, was a beautiful surprise. From the very first rehearsal, I had a strong feeling she was the right fit. Just two weeks after joining the band, she hit the road with us for the tour with Temperance. We only had two rehearsals, but the connection was instant, it felt like we’d been playing together forever. She brought incredible energy, enthusiasm, and chemistry. She didn’t just join the band, she became part of it like she was meant to be there all along.

Reuel

Secret Rule are known for their wide-ranging musical palette, keeping fans guessing with every new release. What can you share with us about the upcoming album?

Angela

We’ve always embraced evolution in our sound, and this new album is no exception. We don’t like to repeat ourselves. Before the lineup change, Andy and I had already completed the production and mastering process, and we intentionally pushed ourselves to explore new textures and dynamics. Lyrically and thematically, the songs remain deeply personal. I’ve always seen myself as someone strong, but I’ve met so many people who carry silent pain or live with inner fragility. That contrast inspired me to write lyrics that empower, provoke reflection, and remind people of their role, not just as individuals, but as part of something bigger. This album is both an inner journey and a mirror to the outside world. There’s a lot packed into this release, and while I can’t share everything yet, I promise there are surprises in store.

Reuel

How do you feel about the representation of women in heavy music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?

Angela

It’s a complex subject. Personally, I’ve never felt limited as a woman in the music world. I’ve always been treated with respect, maybe because I’ve had the good fortune of working with professional, open-minded people. But on a broader scale, things are changing, and not always in straightforward ways. Today, bands with female members often get more visibility simply because of gender, and in some cases, the industry actively favors mixed lineups. While representation matters, it can sometimes overshadow the quality of the music itself. Ironically, that can work against all-male bands, who may get overlooked despite having excellent music. So while it’s great to see more women on stage, I believe we need to shift the focus back to talent, creativity, and substance. True inclusivity means recognizing people for their art, not just their gender.

Reuel

Thank you for your time and for this interview, Angela! Is there anything you’d like to add in the end?

Angela

Thank you again for the space and support. I want to send a heartfelt thank-you to all our fans for standing by us and for the incredible response to “Just A Sacrifice”, your support really fuels everything we do. And of course, a big thank-you as well to all the readers of “FemMetal – Goddesses Of Metal” for taking the time to discover more about us. We hope to meet many of you soon on the road! Keep an eye on our socials, more announcements are coming very soon. And check out our official webshop, where we’re adding new items regularly. This summer, we’ll be playing at three incredible festivals: Imperium Rock Festival in Spain, Masters of Rock in the Czech Republic, and Laurus Nobilis in Portugal. We hope to see many of you there. Let’s make it unforgettable.

Sofia Basili

Reuel

Hello Sofia! I’m very happy to chat with you. How are you doing?

Sofia

Hi Reuel, it’s a pleasure to e-meet you too! I’m doing very well, thanks for checking in!

Reuel

You’ve recently joined Secret Rule and a new album is coming out with a single already released! How excited are you for this new chapter for both the band and yourself?

Sofia

For me, Secret Rule was an unexpected surprise that completely changed my life from one day to the next. In just three months, I’ve had the chance to experience so many emotions in such a short time, from recording the album and shooting video clips, to going on our European tour in March! I’m super excited for everything that’s still to come with the album release, future live shows, and all the other surprises we can’t wait to announce.

Reuel

Wonderful! “Just A Sacrifice” is the first single for you as Secret Rule bassist. How would you describe this song to our readers who haven’t had the chance to hear it yet?

Sofia

“Just a Sacrifice” is the first single from our new album, and since it’s the band’s tenth album, it marks an important milestone in Secret Rule’s history. The new single opens this fresh era with a modern sound, while still staying true to the band’s roots, with powerful riffs and choruses you can scream at the top of your lungs!

Reuel

Becoming part of a band with such a deep history can be both exciting and intimidating. What’s it been like for you to work alongside musicians with so much experience and talent?

Sofia

Meeting Andy, Angela, and Andrea has been a huge stroke of luck. They’re not only amazing people, but also great professionals. Working with them gave me a real understanding of what it means to be part of the professional music world. They’ve shown me how much effort and sacrifice goes into a project as big as Secret Rule, and I really admire their dedication.

Reuel

Is there any older song from Secret Rule’s rich discography that challenged or inspired you when you first started playing them?

Sofia

I remember that while preparing for the audition, I fell in love with the song “Obsession” from their album The Resilient. I still remember playing it in my room at full volume, already imagining what it would feel like to play it live. And when that dream became reality, it was an incredible emotion.

Reuel

Amazing! Can you tell us a little about your musical background? What musicians had the most influence on you growing up and inspired you to become an artist yourself?

Sofia

I’ve always loved music, my father is a musician, so it’s been part of my life from the beginning. I started playing bass thanks to Duff McKagan from Guns N’ Roses, who were my favorite band when I was little. He definitely influenced my style, from the metallic tone of my bass to my overall attitude on stage. I began playing in bands at a very young age, but what helped me most were jam sessions. That’s where I developed confidence and learned how to handle unexpected situations on stage. Jamming also taught me how to connect emotionally with the musicians around me, creating a unified feeling during performances. Thanks to jam sessions, I became known in the local music scene, which led to being invited to play in various bands. Before the tour, I had never played outside my hometown. Then came the invitation to audition for Secret Rule, and the rest is history!

Reuel

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing. What is something you’re passionate about aside from music?

Sofia

There’s nothing that could ever replace the role that music has in my life, it fills every minute of my day and it’s the greatest love I’ve ever known. But outside of music, I’m really passionate about cult cinema.

Reuel

How do you feel about the representation of women in heavy music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?

Sofia

I think the presence of women in heavy music is definitely growing, and that’s amazing to witness. There are still some challenges, of course, like breaking old stereotypes and being seen beyond appearances, but I believe things are changing. The best way to promote inclusivity is to keep showing up, supporting each other, and proving that talent and passion have no gender. Music should be for everyone.

Reuel

Thank you for your time, Sofia, and for this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to conclude this interview with?

Sofia

Thank you! I would also like to thank all the fans for the incredible welcome and support since my first day. Cheers!