BLUE LIGHT CAGE

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.

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2017's 'Babel', which is somewhat of a surprise since Antonio Vittozzi had been there from the beginning, but he has been replaced by Francesco Cavezza.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.