Blog Post
Secret Sphere - 'Lifeblood'
Iain McArthur • 7 April 2021
Album Review
I started going to rock gigs in 1980 but I reckon it was this century before I ever saw an Italian band live. Since then, it’s been possible for me to enjoy gigs by Lacuna Coil, Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody and Temperance among others and discovering quality music from small bands based in continental Europe just seems so much easier now – something to thank the internet for, I guess.
Secret Sphere are another band that have eluded me until now, although this is their 9th album and they’ve been going since 1997. Guitar and production maestro Aldo Lonobile has been one of only two constants in the band over the years and he’s on fantastic form again. Original singer Roberto Messina has returned to the fold now that Michele Luppi has been poached by Whitesnake and he brings tremendous joy and enthusiasm to his job with an inspired performance.
Musically, you might describe the sound as melodic power metal in a style reminiscent of Sonata Arctica or Stratovarius with orchestral and keyboard flourishes on top of some very powerful drumming and the odd proggy outbreak. The most melodic and the pick of the tracks is the magnificent “Against All the Odds” which is soaring AOR reminiscent of Augeri-era Journey. Other highlights include “Lifeblood”, “Alive” and “Thank You” but it’s a strong offering all round.
Bella Bella.