Band Origin: Rome,Italy
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Release Date: 2019
Album downloads only available to members
Album Info / Review
Intro:
The subterranean depths of melodic death metal have long been a breeding ground for bands that eschew mainstream appeal for a more visceral, nuanced approach. Secret Rule, a quartet hailing from the Italian underground, firmly plants their flag in this fertile soil with “The 7 Endless.” This is not an album that announces itself with bombast; rather, it seeps into your consciousness, its intricate layers and brooding atmosphere demanding a patient ear. From the first chilling riff, it’s clear that Secret Rule are not content with simple aggression. They weave a tapestry of darkness, punctuated by moments of stark beauty and relentless power, creating a sonic journey that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Track Analysis:
1. **”The Obsidian Dawn”**: The album opens with a desolate, atmospheric intro, featuring mournful clean guitar melodies layered over a subtle synth pad. This builds into a crushing, mid-tempo riff that immediately establishes the band’s signature blend of aggression and melodicism. The drumming is precise and impactful, driving the track forward without overwhelming the intricate guitar work. The vocal delivery, a guttural roar, is surprisingly articulate, conveying a sense of ancient rage.
2. **”Chains of Aethelred”**: This track shifts gears with a more aggressive, faster tempo. The tremolo-picked guitars create a relentless wall of sound, while the bass line provides a rumbling foundation. The melodic lead guitar solo is a highlight, weaving a melancholic counterpoint to the main riff. The song structure is dynamic, incorporating breakdowns that feel earned rather than gratuitous.
3. **”Whispers from the Void”**: A more introspective piece, “Whispers from the Void” leans heavily on atmospheric passages. Clean guitars with a touch of reverb create a sense of vast emptiness, before erupting into a powerful, mid-paced groove. The vocals here are more varied, with moments of spoken-word passages adding an unsettling narrative quality. The interplay between the clean and distorted guitars is particularly effective.
4. **”The Serpent’s Embrace”**: This is arguably the album’s most straightforwardly aggressive track. Blast beats are employed judiciously, and the riffs are sharp and biting. However, even in its ferocity, Secret Rule manages to inject a strong melodic sensibility. The chorus is anthemic, a dark chant that lodges itself in the listener’s mind.
5. **”Beneath the Ashen Sky”**: A longer, more epic composition. “Beneath the Ashen Sky” showcases the band’s compositional prowess. It moves through several distinct movements, from a lumbering, doom-laden section to a soaring, melodic interlude. The guitar solos are technically proficient but always serve the song’s emotional arc. The production here allows each instrument to breathe, creating a rich sonic texture.
6. **”Echoes of the Forgotten”**: This track brings back the atmospheric elements from earlier in the album. The clean guitar arpeggios are haunting, and the subtle use of keyboards adds a layer of ethereal dread. The transition into the heavier sections is seamless, demonstrating the band’s mastery of dynamics. The vocal performance on this track is particularly commanding.
7. **”The 7 Endless”**: The title track is a sprawling, seven-minute epic that serves as the album’s centerpiece. It encapsulates all the elements that define Secret Rule: crushing riffs, intricate melodies, atmospheric passages, and powerful vocals. The song builds to a climactic crescendo, leaving the listener with a sense of cathartic exhaustion. The final moments fade out with a lingering, distorted guitar chord.
Conclusion:
“The 7 Endless” is a meticulously crafted album that rewards deep listening. Secret Rule have managed to forge a sound that is both brutal and beautiful, drawing from the wellspring of melodic death metal while infusing it with their own distinct personality. The production is clear and powerful, allowing the intricate musicianship to shine through. This is an album for those who appreciate technicality without sacrificing emotional resonance, and for those who find solace in the darker, more complex corners of metal. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the underground to produce music of such depth and artistry.
Rating: 9/10
Highlight Track: “Beneath the Ashen Sky”
