Secret Rule – X | Progressive Rock Central.com

To celebrate their tenth anniversary, Italian symphonic metal band Secret Rule, have returned with their boldest and most contemporary album to date: X. This release captures both the spirit of the band’s origins and the energy of a new creative chapter. The album will be released on October 24^th, of this year, on Rockshots Records.

The band say the album was shaped, “From the ground up by founders Angela Di Vincenzo, (lead vocals), and Andy Menario, (lead guitarist), whose collaboration remains the heartbeat of the band. With X, they set out to reflect the urgency of today’s modern metal scene while preserving Secret Rule’s signature identity: powerful melodies, anthemic choruses and emotional depth. For the first time, the band expands its sonic palette by introducing syncopated breakdowns and textured electronics, all seamlessly woven into their symphonic and melodic metal roots. The result is a sound that feels unmistakably Secret Rule, yet fresh and forward-looking.”

The arrival of bassist Sofia Basili and drummer Andrea Miazzetto during the writing process brought a renewed sense of energy and cohesion. Sofia’s tight groove and expressive backing vocals, alongside Andrea’s dynamic, heavy-hitting drumming, laid the foundation for the band’s most intense rhythm section to date. The production was handled entirely by the band itself: Andy Menario oversaw arrangements, mixing and mastering while Angela Di Vincenzo crafted vocal melodies and lyrics. Their unified vision ensured that every track was developed with technical precision and emotional resonance. Lyrically, X explores collapse, resilience and rebirth–addressing personal, social, and environmental themes.

The 10^th Anniversary of Secret Rule, kicks off with “The Answer.” A cool electric guitar riff and those storming drums, let you know that Secret Rule is ready to rock; and pick up where they left off with Uninverse. Angela Di Vincenzo knows the answer is out there. She can feel it in her bones. And she is going to fight her way through the chaos, and stand her ground, through the ups and downs, and the highs and lows. She’ll keep on searching until she makes it on her own! A fight song, if ever there was one! An anthem to help keep your fight alive. Don’t give up your dreams. Those powerful crashing drums, bass and electric guitar mean business. The kind of song you want to open your 10^th anniversary album with. As well as your live shows, I bet!

“Walking Down the Street,” opens with Angela Di Vincenzo singing the title. She has such a unique voice in female metal. Her voice stands out well, and it is full of emotion. She sings about dancing down the street, enjoying the beat, with the sun shunning bright. It’s a magical night. A great feel – good song, full of great drums and electric guitar soloing. Just the kind of song the world, and metal fans need right now.

“In the Silence,” has an incredible music video, accompanying the song, that really should be witnessed. In fact, the band has released three other music videos and is about to release a fourth for the song, “Collapse.” “In the Silence,” opens in a dystopian AI world which does not seem to have any hope left, in it. However, Angela’s pop – like vocals keeps that eternal flame of hope going strong. Sofia has a cameo vocal, which has a rap-like flavor to it. Good work Sofia, on your first record. Then, Andy unleashes a hot electric metal guitar solo. This is part of the bands new varied sound. And it sets the band off on the journey for their next ten years.

“Echoes of the Earth,” also has a fantastic music video. This video was filmed close to where the band lives, in the mountains near their Roman home. They wanted it to be a showcase for nature, in a natural setting, and they did not disappoint. Angela sings some of her most emotional lyrics for the sake of preserving the Earth. The video really shows how important nature is to this band. Angela calls for the Angels of Earth to come and help save us.

“Eternal Symphony,” does not have a music video, yet. But I hope it will. It is my favorite song on the album. It is full of a powerhouse metal soundscape at its opening. Then, Angela sings in a wonderful, serious voice, the sad lyrics. The band gives her pause, to allow her voice to rise above the metal, to deliver these important lines. “Together we won’t fall. Just one deep breath. We’ll rise from the ashes one more time!” The keyboards and everything about this song screams freedom and hope!

“Silent Pain,” has another of one of the best music videos of 2025! This story is also very deep, and Angela brings it to life with those emotive vocals. The music video, which is another great AI feature film, uses an alien like child who seems born to save the world from another dystopian environment. After Andy’s, bow drawn, electric guitar slingshot, opens the song; full-on metal drums ramble forward, like bulls in a charge. Angela sings, “In this silent pain, I find my voice again, I will rise above, and when the darkness fades, I STAND TALL!” The alien in the video becomes the hero, as Angela sings of his merciful treatment of the people being tormented. Andy yells to help bring home the loss and pain being felt within this song.

As of this writing, I have not seen the “Collapse,” music video. But the song features a slower opening, complete with keyboards, electric guitar, bass, and drums. Angela sings about all the towers that have been built to celebrate humans power over the Earth. But the arrogance of Man will fall, to a world of compassion that Angela sings about proudly.

“Lost in Paradise,” is the first real ballad the band has played in a while. It starts off slowly with Angela and Henrik Klingenberg, of Sonata Arctica, singing together. I wish they would create a music video for this song too. Andy’s guitar solo here is the best on the album. A simply perfect slow ballad that just helps raise the level of this musical album, a piece of art. Angela sings, “In this lost paradise, we’ll find our way.”

“Destiny Reloaded,” is another tough fight song. The keyboards are the best on the album, up to now. Another great song of redemption that really takes off once Andy loads that cannon of an axe, and lets it fly. The power chords that come out, with those drums firing full blast, make this one of the best metal rockers on the album.

“Just a Sacrifice,” is another song with an amazing music video. Yes, it is set in another AI desolation city. The story the band shared about making this video in a warehouse, in our interview, makes it worth a watch. Another powerful song delivered from Angela’s voice and Andy’s guitar. A great, don’t give up, no matter how dark the situation you happen to be stuck in. Freedom is just a sacrifice away. One person, you or I, can break the chains of evil or tyranny.

“The Storm,” is the epic closing track that you were hoping to hear. It is the longest track on the album. Angela sings the opening so seductively. Then, the power drums and lead electric guitar with bass take over. We are in a storm, but we will break free. From lightning and thunder, from shadows we rise.

Secret Rule’s X, is going to be on my list of favorite metal albums of the year, for sure. This band is full of life and I imagine they will go on for at least another ten or twenty years. This music is positive and full of energy, emotion, and empathy. Something you just don’t find that often any more in the metal genre. These are killer guitar licks and full-on metal drums and bass, but surrounded by the beautiful, emotive, and caring voice of Angela Di Vincenzo. They knew this glorious celebration of their 10^th year as a band was coming, and they worked extremely hard to bring their fans the kind of album that is a game changer. They have produced 4 music videos already, with one more coming soon. In addition, they planned a slue of great prize packages for the purchase and remembrance of this glorious anniversary. The Secret Rule must be, to keep hope alive and never surrender. That idea exists in all of their songs. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of one of the best Italian metal band’s 10 anniversary and get Secret Rule’s X!