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SOUL SECRET

Progressive Metal • Italy


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Soul Secret biography
SOUL SECRET is a progressive metal band from Napoli, Italy. The band formed in the summer of 2004 when Antonio Vittozzi (guitar) and Lucio Grilli (bass) decided to create a metal band and play Dream Theater masterpieces. They then recruited Antonio Barbati (vocals), Atonio Morcerino (drums) and Giovanni Di Giorgio (keyboards).

When the band had all the members in place the will to do Dream Theater covers quickly was supplanted with the desire to write their own compositions. The band recorded a demo "Never Care About Tomorrow" in July 2005, which contained two songs with a new vocalist Agostino Sorrentino. Due to work constraints Agostino Sorrentino left the band and they soon parted ways with keyboardist Giovanni Di Giorgio. They were replaced with Luca Di Gennaro (keyboards, synthesizers) and Michele Serpico (vocals) in March of 2006. With this line-up the band wrote 6 songs that comprised of their debut album "Flowing Portraits." When they went to the Orange Bug studios in Naples in 2007 to record "Flowing Portraits", Michele Serpico was unable to perform due to health constraints. So they brought in Mark Basile (MIND KEY, B.R.A.K.E., DGM) to record the vocals.

In the spring of 2008, they've hired a new vocalist Francesco Sorriento and their debut album was released on Prog Rock Records.

WHY THIS BAND IS IN THE ARCHIVES:

SOUL SECRET play traditional progressive metal with stylistic elements of their influences: DREAM THEATER, PAIN OF SALVATION, PINK FLOYD, VANDEN PLAS, LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT, SYMPHONY X, SPOCK'S BEARD, TOOL but also METALLICA, MEGADETH, MR. BIG mixing hard rock and thrash elements. They were approved by the Prog Metal Team and are highly recommended.

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SOUL SECRET discography


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SOUL SECRET top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.04 | 26 ratings
Flowing Portraits
2008
4.00 | 19 ratings
Closer To Daylight
2011
3.31 | 17 ratings
4
2015
3.60 | 14 ratings
Babel
2017
3.09 | 9 ratings
Blue Light Cage
2020

SOUL SECRET Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

SOUL SECRET Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

SOUL SECRET Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

SOUL SECRET Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

0.00 | 0 ratings
Learning Toulouse (Live at Ready for Prog? Festival)
2019
4.00 | 1 ratings
Shine Again
2020

SOUL SECRET Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Blue Light Cage by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2020
3.09 | 9 ratings

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Blue Light Cage
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

3 stars Back with their fifth studio album, there has been a slight change in the ranks of this Italian prog metal band in that they have changed guitarists since 2017's 'Babel', which is somewhat of a surprise since Antonio Vittozzi had been there from the beginning, but he has been replaced by Francesco Cavezza. It is also interesting to note that well- known musicians Derek Sherinian (keyboards) and Marek Arnold (saxophone) have been brought in to add their talents to a track each. While I was a fan of debut release 'Flowing Portraits' back in 2008, I was not so keen on their last release, and I find myself in the same camp this time around as well.

There are some excellent elements throughout the album, some wonderful djent-style riffs at times, strong musicianship, and vocals, but there are others where sections have been added that just do not make sense. An example of this can all be found within "The President's Speech" which at times is incredibly punchy and heavy (good) and then veers into some sort of strange lounge meandering (not so good). This means the album often feels that it lacks a sense of direction and purpose, not really making the headway it should. It contains all the elements of a self- produced album and I was not at all surprised to find that was the case when I checked. If they had brought on board a strong producer then I am sure it would have been a quite different release and the result is a prog metal album which contains some nice sections within it but is certainly never essential.

 Blue Light Cage by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2020
3.09 | 9 ratings

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Blue Light Cage
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by Windhawk
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Italian band SOUL SECRET was formed back in 2004, and from 2008 and onward they have been releasing new material at regular intervals, often with minor line-up alterations along the way too. The band have been attached to quite a few labels over the years, and for their fifth and most recent studio album "Blue Light Cage" the band have joined the ranks of Dutch label Layered Reality Productions.

Soul Secret have created an album that has many brilliant elements and strong compositions this time around. A really well made and well executed production, with quirky, challenging and creative compositions in general and with some truly amazing instrumental sections and strong instrument performances as the standout features. In my view the lead vocals aren't of the same calibre however, or at least they are distinct enough to be somewhat divisive, and for someone really sensitive to the vocal aspect of a production they may also be detrimental. But for those who aren't all that sensitive about the vocals on an album, "Blue Light Cage" will most likely be experienced as quite the compelling album, in particular for fans of expressive and creative varieties of classic era progressive metal.

 Babel by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2017
3.60 | 14 ratings

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Babel
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by Rivertree
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / Band Submissions

4 stars One might expect a fully fledged space rock album here when considering the beautiful album cover. Anyhow, at least the story behind offers the opportunity to participate at an intergalactic mission in a far distant future. Ambitiously sent away to find none other than God, two astronauts, Sam and Adriel, are accompanied by logOS. A special board computer, absolutely required for having a chance to accomplish the trip. You want to know how it ends? Wait a little. Initially, due to the first speech sample within Prologue, Sam seems to be seriously frustrated. And later on there is some mysterious misunderstanding occuring when contacting the homebase.

So I can't get rid of the impression that they don't take this too seriously overall. At least when it comes to religious respectively spiritual belief. You may correct me. Anyway, meanwhile it's their fourth album. And the band is from Italy, important to know. But SOUL SECRET are contrasting from the vast amount of groups related to the RPI scene. Following to the overture they immediately and literally will prove for what they are standing for musically. Continuing with the fantastic What We're All About this belongs to the finest I could listen to this year. Tricky execution, highly melodic, acoustic guitars are morphing into heavy riffs and vice versa, variating dynamics, nice piano licks. Great variety regarding every instrument. Grandezza!

Singer Lino Di Pietrantonio acts strong too, comes close to James LaBrie hereby, partially, but not exclusively. And then: 'Our hopes are outcasts at a dead-end lane'. After all they eventually are Entering The City Of God, but surprisingly he's missing. Later on The Cuckoo's Nest comes with the summary: 'God is dead, like our dreams. Human kind is walking with no guiding light'. Which for me personally leads into the final conclusion: no other choice, we have to solve all problems on our own. Mankind is going to destroy the world, but competent enough to uphold and improve in the same way. It depends what will win through! The aforementioned song is spiked with fine synth activity and belongs to my favourite tunes. God is Love - the band finally designs a temporary happy end somehow, when Sam and Adriel learn to love each other.

Decorated with an interesting, maybe provoking, lyrical concept this is a stunning new SOUL SECRET album, completely meets my taste. Besides some, probably intended, references to (early) Dream Theater I would also name Dropshard and Aisles as some stylistical references, so that you may have a rough clue what you are going to observe. Besides this comparisons the band has reached for an unique widespread approach though, which includes prog metal, djent, latin and jazz vibes as well as different facets deriving from art rock and AOR territories. 4.5 stars, strong contender for a masterpiece status.

 Babel by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2017
3.60 | 14 ratings

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Babel
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

3 stars Soul Secret are an Italian progressive metal band based in Naples who released their debut album "Flowing Portraits" back in 2008, with Mark Basile (DGM) as guest singer. This is the only album of theirs I had heard prior to this, and remember thinking it was an incredibly strong debut. Obviously, I wasn't the only one as it led to them playing with the likes of Pendragon, Vanden Plas and Subsignal. They have been through a few line-up changes since then, and are now back with their fourth album, a concept telling the story of Sam and Adriel who are sent in space to find God, helped by logOS, an on-board computer providing cutting-edge technology to the mission. When they finally find the City Of Gods, they find it empty...

This album is full of strong songs, but I found the concept and spoken links were getting in the way of my enjoyment of the music, and after the first few plays it was getting harder and more difficult to get into the music. That is a real shame, as there are some strong performances on here. The vocals are superb, and there are some djent influences in the music at times, which is certainly a departure from the norm in terms of progressive rock. Possibly it is necessary to see the full release, and I only have a digital download to gauge my opinion on, but for me this just doesn't have the impact and power of the debut, and I expect bands to keep improving, not taking a retrograde step, which is a real shame.

It is light, pleasant, melodic progressive rock with some interesting influences, but not challenging or interesting enough for me to maintain my focus throughout, and the additional elements that have been put in that link that album are superfluous and over the top (although even I must smile when the code word is "Pendragon

 Flowing Portraits by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2008
4.04 | 26 ratings

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Flowing Portraits
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars This 2008 release was the debut album from this Italian prog metal band, who originally started out playing Dream Theater covers back in 2004. They have certainly come a long way since then, as this is far more commercial and direct than anything to come from the Americans, but still displaying incredible virtuosity. While the harmony voccals may not always be absolutely spot on, the result is something that feels more 'real', and far less contrived. The interplay between guitarist Antonio Vittozzi and keyboard player Luca Di Gennaro is an absolute delight, while bassist Lucio Grilli and drummer Antonio Mocerino lock it all together. What is somewhat surprising is that singer Mark Basile, who is key to the overall sound and success of the album is here only as a session singer (formly with Mind Key, he is now active in DGM) ? the band's singer Michele Serpico was unable to record due to ill health, and he was replaced after they had been in the studios so Mark was only brought in for this album.

One of the things that is readily apparent is the quality not only of the songs, the vocals and overall performance, but also that of the production. So, it wasn't much of a surprise to see that although it was originally recorded in Naples, it had then been mastered by none other than Threshold's Karl Groom, and certainly some of the crunching riffs could have been laid down by the Thin Ice guitarmeister himself. It contains plenty of space, and the songs flow and move as if they are a living breathing being, effortlessly going from one melody to another, but always with real feeling of passion and depth.

This is an incredibly powerful album, very nearly flawless, and if one is into prog metal of any type then this should be played immediately, if not sooner.

 4 by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.31 | 17 ratings

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4
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

3 stars 3.5 stars really

Soul Secret from Italy is to me a very strong prog metal band with a decade career so far and three albums released so far, but with all that they are quite unkown in prog metal circles and is a damn shame because they offer a very solid, well written type of prog metal. The third album is from this year 2015 named simply 4 (strange name to me) and far less pretentious as on previous two releases. Another album another vocalist, this time we have the unkown, at least for me - Lino Di Pietrantonio. Did he integrated well in Soul Secret sound, yes, of course, his type of voice is fiting like glove on hand here, he has a clear tone and his job is well done . So, another worthy one of this italian band, for sure among my fav prog metal bands from recent years. What we have here, is good well performed type of prog metal, lacking in originality but the musicianship is more thn ok most of the time,. If the overall sound is keeping the same formula as on previous two albums, elaborated arrangements, twisted passages, lots of changes in tempo, the perfect example is the opening - On The Ledge - for sure one of the most intresting pieces the band ever composed, and probably on my top 3 pieces from this yea, absolutly great from guitars of Antonio Vittozzi to the spectacular keyboards parts of Luca Di Gennaro (no wonder he will apear on new Subsignal album) - this tune simply kick ass, the best of the album, at least for me. On the opposite is the track named K who is by far the worst piece band ever done, I don't like here in this context the growling vocals provided by a guest , simply totaly unintresting tune and forgetable at best. Another hihlights ar the instrumental one Silence and few more. All in all quite good release, maybe not their best from all 3, but close enough. I like a lot this band and I'm with an eye on their career since the beggining. 3.5 stars, fans of the genre take a listen worth it.

 4 by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.31 | 17 ratings

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4
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by Second Life Syndrome
Prog Reviewer

3 stars Another album---another vocalist. I feel badly for bands that just cannot seem to retain a lead vocalist. Italy's Soul Secret started out with a guest singer, progressed to Fabio Manda's amazing voice on their sophomore album, and now have turned to Lino Di Pietrantonio to lead them. This choice, much like the album, is a solid one, though flawed in some ways.

Soul Secret's third album is called "4", and, yes, that is confusing as hell. It represents a slight change in sound for Soul Secret, due not only to the change of singer, but also to the maturity of these guys as musicians. Indeed, I hear stylistic changes across the board. Soul Secret, if you are not familiar, are definitely a progressive metal band in the vein of Dream Theater, though I'm sure that's a shadow they don't want. Either way, though, it is the truth, as they rely on strong guitars from Antonio Vittozzi, sizzling keys from Luca Di Gennaro, foundational bass from Claudio Casaburi, and the ever present structure of Antonio Mocerino's drums.

Their styles have changed somewhat, though. I am a huge fan of their previous album "Closer to Daylight", and the band as a whole has moved on from shorter, more structured tracks to longer and more varied concepts. This is both good and bad, as you won't really find much to sing along to here, but you will certainly find incredible instrumentals to admire (something Soul Secret has always done well). In fact, it seems like each and every track has a noteworthy instrumental, and some, like "Traces on the Seaside", "On the Ledge", and "Our Horizon", have multiple sections that are incredibly sublime. This is partially due to the new sounds for this band, especially Luca's wonderful keys. He has moved on from the standard atmospherics so often found in prog metal to new heights of solos, even leading the music many times. Needless to say, I'm very impressed with the large range of key tones used, too. Besides this, I sense a change for Mocerino's drums, too, as he has opted for a more delicate touch than his blast beating past. In addition, Vittozzi's guitars seem much more deliberate and inspired in composition.

Thus far, we have a great third album called "4" that features some notable changes in sound. This is where my slight issues with the album appear. First of all, I do feel that it is a bit long. At 72+ minutes long, I feel like some of the incredible effectiveness of the first half of the album wears off by the end. Indeed, I feel like they realize it, too, as most of the really amazing rhythms are found in the first half. This is not to say that the latter half is bad. It's actually great, especially songs like the instrumental "Silence" or the addictive ending to "My Lighthouse". Heck, "Downfall" might be my favorite song on the album! The first few tracks, however, just gel so well that you barely notice the time pass.

My other issue with this album is the Dream Theater sound. This is primarily because of Lino's vocal performance. Indeed, I think the band actively tries to avoid the DT sound by including plenty of small oddities, like harsh vox, crazy synth, and a notable lack of overpowering guitar. Lino's voice, however, sounds SO much like Labrie's vox on "Images & Words". This isn't a bad thing, as I don't think Labrie has ever sounded better. Lino does avoid the pretentious wailing (thank God), but there are definitely a few times where I could have imagined that I was listening to DT.

Overall, though, this is another solid album from Soul Secret, and they really show their instrumental chops. Indeed, the ending epic "The White Stairs" opens with a fantastic groove that always makes me stop everything else I'm doing. For progressive metal fans, then, I don't think there has been a better offering so far this year. Be sure to get your hands on this album!

 Flowing Portraits by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2008
4.04 | 26 ratings

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Flowing Portraits
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Soul Secret is a italian progressive metal band formed around 2004 who established quickly from a DT tribute band to a solid and respected band in this field. They released so far two albums, prepare for a new one to come this year. The debut saw the light in 2008 named Flowing portraits. Well, this what I like about prog metal, quirly parts, duels guitars/keybords, inventive drum chops and one hell of a great vocalist Mark Basile from DGM and Mind Key done a fantastic job here. This is on par with their second offer, and I mean solid as hell prog metal. Something that worth mentioning is that the album was mastered by the master Karl Groom the head and the guitarist of famous Threshold. As I said this is the type of prog metal I like, clean production, complex arrangements, all is here for a real treat for listners. A piece like Inner War can only bring joy while listen, this is prog metal as must sound this type of music, complicated and catchy in same time. All pieces are awesome and show big potential right from the start. Soul Secret is one of my fav prog metal bands and they never disippointing me , I'm looking forward for their new album to come. For Flowing portraits easy 4 stars, great prog metal that must be more recognized world wide.
 Closer To Daylight by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2011
4.00 | 19 ratings

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Closer To Daylight
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Soul Secret from Italy to me is a very strong prog metal band with almost a decade career so far and two albums released, but with all that they are quite unkown in prog metal circles and is a damn shame because they offer a very solid, well written type of prog metal. They released first album in 2008 and the second in october 2011 named Closer to daylight. This is a fantastic prog metal album that every serious fan must discover, really. I was impressed by this offer because the musicianship from here is top notch and the instrumental arrangements are killer, never to atached by the new voice of Fabio Manda, I mean he is ok, but nothing really special. Long album with elaborated passages, lots of tempo changes, duels between guitar and keyboards, lenghty pieces, one clocking over 9 min, 2 around 8 min and a closer of almost 17 min reveals a high class prog metal and how talented and great this band is. Highlights to me The Shelter and Pillar of sand, he we have some very strong instrumental parts, complicated twists, speacially I like a lot the keybords from this album, very colorfull passages and very well performed, very nice. The guitar is also strong and has some spectacular moments like on the closer Aftermath for ewxample. Some invited guests here , like Marco Sfogli on guitar (the guitar player of James La Brie on solo albums and aswell has two albums under his name released so far ) appears on River's Edge , this pieces has on solo section a very fusion feel because of Sfogli type of aproach , nice parts and the former voice of Sieges Even and the voice of Subsignal - Arno Menses appear on last track Aftermath. All in all a fairly strong prog metal album that offers a lot for fans of this type of music, elaborated complex instrumental parts that show how big potential this band has. 4 stars easy, Soul Secret needs a far more exposer then has today, they really know to play and creat something strong in this field to much time over populated by copy/paste bands. Similar in musical aproach with Mind Key, Empty Tremor or Twinspirits all prog metal bands from Italy.
 Flowing Portraits by SOUL SECRET album cover Studio Album, 2008
4.04 | 26 ratings

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Flowing Portraits
Soul Secret Progressive Metal

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars SOUL SECRET are a young Prog-Metal band from Italy and "Flowing Portraits" is their very impressive debut. When they went into the recording studio to record this album their singer was unable to perform for health reasons but they were very fortunate to get former MIND KEY singer Mark Basile to bail them out. Man this guy can flat out sing, in fact i'm so impressed that i'm on the hunt for some MIND KEY.This album was mastered by THRESHOLD guitarist Karl Groom. Tons of tempo and mood shifts on this one with plenty of fire power to go along with the amazing vocals makes this a must have for Metal fans out there. By the way the keyboardist would make Derek Sherinian proud i'm sure.

"Dance Of The Waves" opens with some cool samples and lots of spacey atmosphere. It kicks in around a minute and it does really kick in. Haha. Vocals follow as guitars grind away relentlesly.The calm with piano after 4 minutes is blown away quickly. Check out the vocals followed by a ripping guitar solo. Killer sound 7 minutes in. "First Creature" has a powerful intro with piano. Vocals come in quickly as it settles. Crunchy guitars and a heavy sound follows as contrasts continue. Plenty of guitar fire 3 minutes in. "Inner War" opens with piano as vocals join in. It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes. Nice. A heavy, melodic soundscape is the result. Great section 2 1/2 minutes in with lots of crunch and incredible vocals. It settles with piano before 4 1/2 minutes but not for long. Hell yaaa ! Blistering guitar before 6 minutes. Check out the vocals a minute later.

"Learning To Lose" is a brighter more accessible tune. A fuller sound before 1 1/2 minutes. Scorching guitar 4 1/2 minutes in. Crazy synths late. "Regrets" is a cool song with acoustic guitar, synths and reserved vocals. It does get fuller but then settles back. I like the guitar on this one. "Tears Of Kalliroe" is the almost 17 minute closer. A dramatic and powerful start with some orchestration for over 3 minutes. Drums and synths take over. Here we go before 4 1/2 minutes ! They start to rampage ! Vocals after 5 minutes. Unbelieveable ! Check out the stampede 11 minutes in. All hell breaks loose after 13 minutes as he spits out the lyrics. We then get an emotional ending to this furious ride.

Highly recommended and a solid 4 stars.

Thanks to Plankowner for the artist addition.

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