Band: Soul Secret

CD Title: “Flowing Portraits”

Band Website: www.myspace.com/soulsecretband

Label: ProgRock Records

Label Website: www.progrockrecords.com

Release Date: 2008

 

Italy 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!