Secret Sphere
Portrait of a Dying Heart
Scarlet Records
2012
Having been around for more than 15 years, these Italian power metalers know exactly what they want and what they can give. The big news this time is the band’s new singer, Michele Luppi (ex-Vision Divine, Thaurorod), which brought fresh air to the group with his wonderful vocals. Those who complained that their ex-singer “Ramon” was the weak link of Secret Sphere better have a look at them now.
Based on the novel “She Complies with the Night”, the guitarist & composer, Aldo Lonobile has created a concept album with intensive & powerful moments along with a few melodic & emotional ones. Adding the proper prog, heavy & symphonic doses to their music, Secret Sphere are trying to go beyond their usual frontlines and in times they do succeed so. Contrariwise, one can say that they do not avoid the European/Italian clichés of the scene, and without it being a lie, none can say that this isn’t a solid album. I kinda like the second half of the CD more but that’s only my point of view. I do think though, that songs like “Lie to Me”, “Rising of Love” & “Eternity” are awesome in any case… wish there were more tunes like these ones.
The very beautiful & dark cover artwork, which was designed by the well-known Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Rage, Rhapsody of Fire, etc.) adds some extra points to the album on the whole. The production is very good, even though it could have been a bit tighter and heavier. Basically, “Portrait of a Dying Heart” is a strong release, probably the band’s finest to date, and it will keep the power metal freaks happy in general.
Based on the novel “She Complies with the Night”, the guitarist & composer, Aldo Lonobile has created a concept album with intensive & powerful moments along with a few melodic & emotional ones. Adding the proper prog, heavy & symphonic doses to their music, Secret Sphere are trying to go beyond their usual frontlines and in times they do succeed so. Contrariwise, one can say that they do not avoid the European/Italian clichés of the scene, and without it being a lie, none can say that this isn’t a solid album. I kinda like the second half of the CD more but that’s only my point of view. I do think though, that songs like “Lie to Me”, “Rising of Love” & “Eternity” are awesome in any case… wish there were more tunes like these ones.
The very beautiful & dark cover artwork, which was designed by the well-known Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Rage, Rhapsody of Fire, etc.) adds some extra points to the album on the whole. The production is very good, even though it could have been a bit tighter and heavier. Basically, “Portrait of a Dying Heart” is a strong release, probably the band’s finest to date, and it will keep the power metal freaks happy in general.