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TItaly was one of the first continental nations to pick
up on the first group of progressive rock bands in the early
seventies and they produced more than their fair share of
homegrown bands in the genre. So I guess it should not be
surprising to see the same thing occurring with the prog-metal
genre. One of the latest offerings is the band Soul Secret
and their first CD releaseFlowing Portraits. This quintet
consists of Mark Basile (vocals), Antonio Vittozzi (guitar),
Lucio Grilli (bass), Luca Di Gennaro (keyboards) and Antonio
Mocerino (drums). The CD was recorded in Naples during 2007
and was mastered by Threshold’s Karl Groom.***
Soul Secrets music is as mentioned squarely in the progressive
metal genre but the six tracks on Flowing Portraits also betray
a certain depth and variety that I think will appeal to a
wider fan base. For one thing the keyboards are not underplayed
or left simply in a supporting role. There are plenty of powerful
keyboard solos strewn throughout the disc and the CD’s closing
“Tears of Kalliroe” (16:41) could easily fall into more of
a symphonic prog category with its keyboard filled majestic
opening section. The track then goes through all form of styles
from metal to softer acoustic. Each of the CD’s other compositions
are generally over the seven minute range allowing for plenty
of musical twists and turns. That said the crunchy guitar
is seemingly ever-present giving each of the compositions
a driving intensity. Basile’s vocals bear a striking resemblance
at times to Dream Theater’s James La Brie, in particular the
way he begins “First Creature” (7:34). For such a young band,
one of the things that distinguishes their compositional style
is their ability to incorporate powerful melodies into their
somewhat complex musicianship. There are many times throughout
where, either guitars or keyboards are prominently soloing
while the rhythm works busily underneath only to have everything
give way to some more intimate segments which then resolve
back into the more aggressive foundation. It is towards the
end of the disc starting with “Learning to Lose” (7:12) where
we start to appreciate the band’s softer, acoustic side, which
they blend well with the heavier elements.***
Flowing Portraits is a disc that will have no trouble
finding an audience. The music of Soul Secret has captured
all the right elements: it’s heavy, it’s melodic, it’s complex,
it’s well arranged and well played. Fans of both the progressive
metal and heavy symphonic prog will find much to enjoy here.
It’s a very accomplished debut and I’m sure destined for success.
Well done!
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