Close
Personnel:
Angela Di Vincenzo – vocals
Andy Menario – guitars
Sofia Basili – bass
Andrea Miazzetto – drums
Producer: Secret Rule
Label: Rockshots Records
Release Date: October 24, 2025
Celebrating ten years of creating great music, Secret Rule return with X, a release that captures their growth, endurance, and artistic drive. Formed in Rome by Angela Di Vincenzo and Andy Menario, the band has evolved through countless changes yet stayed true to their shared vision, delivering a new album that solidifies their status as a creative force in metal.
Some bands rely on a massive cinematic intro to grab listeners, but Secret Rule opens X with a banger of a song that immediately pulled me in. From the very first moment, I was caught up in the excitement and kept on my toes by the surprises throughout. The album never felt predictable, and I found myself eager to see what would come next on each track.
If you’re into any of these artists, this album should be on your radar.
“The Storm” is a beautiful finale, rich in melody and orchestration, and the perfect way to end the album.
Echoes of the earth resound in me
Binding my spirit, setting me free
To the frequencies of life, I am drawn
Reborn in the light of dawn
– “Echoes of the Earth”
The instrumentals on X feel vibrant and full of life, each part given space to shine while working together as one solid force. The guitars drive the songs with strong riffs and memorable solos, especially the solo in “The Answer” and the jumpy melodies in “Collapse.” The bass adds energy and depth, standing out in “Walking Down the Street,” while the arrangements shift smoothly between slower intros like “Eternal Symphony” and cinematic finales like “The Storm.” Across the album, the melodies stay exciting and varied, with tempo changes and dynamic layers that keep the listening experience fresh from start to finish.
Angela Di Vincenzo leads X with clarity and range, moving between softer, haunting tones and powerful, commanding delivery. Her voice shines on tracks like “In the Silence” and “Eternal Symphony,” while duets with male vocals on “Lost in Paradise” and the rap section from Sofia on “In the Silence” add richness and texture. Across the album, the vocals interact naturally with the instruments, enhancing the melodies and giving each song its own distinct character.
When a band has been so generous releasing music, releasing albums that remain faithful to their identity while creating and expanding their sound is a challenge. The production dealt successfully with this by keeping the sound engaging and introducing new elements in a way that is easy to follow and enjoy. Pauses, layers, and dynamic shifts create contrast and keep the songs engaging. Overall, the mix emphasizes the album’s energy and intricate arrangements without feeling crowded.
X explores society and the environment as well as personal struggles. It shows collapse, tension, and resilience through lyrics and song structure without overexplaining or repeating the themes.
%
%
%
%
%
%
 |  |  |
| Time with nature | Driving | Working |
 |  | |
| Handling emotional struggle | Working on art projects |
0 Comments