Secret Sphere - A Time Never Come
99th Floor (Elevate Records)
Symphonic Speed Metal
12 songs (54'37)
Release year: 2001
Secret Sphere
Reviewed by Chris
Album of the month

The Italian Symphonic metal warriors are back with their second effort and the least I can say is that they certainly improved since their last already good debut album. First thing that we can notice in this new opus : the production, although not perfect, it's far better than before. The mix is more balanced, the sound is warmer and the overall experience is much more enjoyable. For those of you who don't know this band, they play a symphonic (and I mean symphonic) speed metal of the best kind. They will seamlessly add as many classical arrangements as they can to give the music another dimension than the typical clichés of nowadays Power or True Metal releases.

Impressive guitar riffs and solos, incredible melodies flying all over the place and a very good improvement on vocals which is one of their strong point now... The songs are quite different one another, from True Metal hymns like Legend or Oblivion to very progressive songs like the excellent Lady Of Silence, Secret Sphere are simply making a demonstration of melody and symphony : slowly but surely becoming my favorite band from Italy. Far more original and epic than the last Rhapsody, progressive (but not too much) which sometimes reminds me Symphony X and Dream Theater, and a very mature songwriting for an impressive final result. Last but not least, the artcover which is simply stunning !!

You're into melodic speed metal like GammaRay or Stratovarius and like very melodic (symphonic) music like Rhapsody, Mob Rules or Kamelot ? Then do NOT miss this album, it's gonna leave you begging for more. Two thumbs up guys !!!

Killing Songs :
All !!!
Chris quoted 93 / 100
Other albums by Secret Sphere that we have reviewed:
Secret Sphere - Liveblood (The Studio Session) reviewed by Ben and quoted no quote
Secret Sphere - Lifeblood reviewed by Ben and quoted 90 / 100
Secret Sphere - Portrait Of A Dying Heart reviewed by Ben and quoted 86 / 100
Secret Sphere - The Nature Of Time reviewed by Ben and quoted 69 / 100
Secret Sphere - Archetype reviewed by Ben and quoted 90 / 100
To see all 10 reviews click here
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