SECRET RULE – The Resilient (2022)

Italian female-fronted rockers SECRET RULE are already veterans from the scene formed almost ten years ago and having released consisten albums since. Now they are presenting their new effort called ”The Resilient”.
This is collection of of catchy rock rhythms and melodies with touches of electronica and symphonic grandiosity, produced & executed with bombastic sound. One built on a bedrock of thumping riffs and powerful vocals.
We really dig the tone of the band and how they mix many different sounds and layers to their songs. Along with the amazing vocals and melodies the band still rocks and really brings aggression to the music.

“The Resilient” kicks things off with a bang with a really energetic uptempo rocker titled “One More“. After a brief intro featuring a children choir and some really cool effects, we’re greeted with some heavy pounding drums and guitar while the choir continues. Then we’re suddenly hit with a wall of double bass drums and crushing guitars. Angela Di Vincenzo‘s vocals charge in with a ferocious passion as she releases her anger, seemingly directed at corrupt world leaders. An opinion I formed after watching the video and reading the lyrics closely.

The pace has been set and the momentum continues with another metal onslaught called “Time To Reset“. It begins with a very cool short guitar intro and then here comes another barrage of double bass drums and chugging metal guitar riffs. Angela snarls like a woman possessed. The track is really heavy but still very melodic with catchy melodies, symphonic elements and a memorable chorus.
”I Wanna Cry” really shows off how Secret Rule combine electronica and rock with a song that is heavy and groovy at the same time. The first proper sign that the band have way more to their sound if you’re a new listener.

“Unlovable“ is another track you won’t soon forget! It opens up with a very cool intro with a beautiful hypnotic synth melody, then, you guessed it… a wonderful metallic attack. This song has a lot of up and down, from somewhat quiet to really heavy. Then there’s a piano and vocal interlude with a sort of marching drum beat as it builds up then it gets heavy again.
“Obsession“ is probably the most commercial track of the album with a super memorable chorus and really catchy melodies and riffs. Angela sounds amazing as she tells us that she’s a fighter and encourages us also to be fighters. To fight for our freedom and to fight to be ourselves.

“The Illusion“ is a really unique track. It’s super heavy musically, vocally and lyrically. The whole song has a sort of time ticking vibe going on. It’s kinda scary at times. It also incorporates some really cool techno and even trance like elements. A really original and adventurous song.
“The Showdown“ has definitely one of the catchiest melodies on the album. This is surely bound to go over really great live. I can picture everyone jumping up and down. Andy Menario plays a short but really super tasty and melodic guitar solo.

A haunting synth melody, a choir like sound and some strings sets the tone for the beginning of “A Little Piece Of Joy“. An electronic sounding drum beat starts as Angela‘s beautiful voice sings… “I’m in the corner, I’ve lost all my dreams / my wound is still bleeding, can’t you see my tears?“ Then just when you think this is going to be a mellow love gone wrong song, Andy takes the helm and steers this ship into crunch town. He turns this would be ballad into a power ballad with a capital P.
The album closes with a short 1:34 outro called “The Hope“. It’s just acoustic guitar and vocals. The vocal melodies are beautiful and memorable and Angela sings with passion and emotion. It stands in stark contrast to the pounding we’ve just been treated to.

On “The Resilient” SECRET RULE incorporates some electronic and light, commercial symphonic elements, a welcomed addition to enrich their sound escaping to repeat themselves. That’s not saying they lost the bite and heavy guitar riffs.
Andrea Arcangeli from excellent progsters DGM is an amazing bass player and his sound and style also contribute greatly to the powerful sound of the new album. And Angela delivers a stunning performance combining clean pop melodies with powerful, at aggressive metallic moments.
Additionally, “The Resilient” is the best produced SECRET RULE album so far, punchy, bombastic.
Highly Recommended

01 – One More
02 – Time To Reset
03 – I Wanna Cry
04 – Unlovable
05 – Obsession
06 – The Illusion
07 – The Showdown
08 – A Little Piece Of Joy
09 – The Hope

Angela Di Vincenzo – Vocals
Andy Menario – Guitar, Vocals & Keys
Sebastian Dolzani – Drums
Andrea Arcangeli – Bass

BUY
www.amazon.co.uk/Resilient-Secret-Rule/dp/B0B2V23X2N