We often find that January is a slow start for music submissions for review, and I was just looking at the December reviews that were still on the front page, not yet in the archives, and thinking it was time to freshen them up! So I was pleased to see a few items in my in-tray. and at the top was this new release from established Italian metal band Secret Rule. It’s a cold Sunday evening where I am, and replete with a tray of olives, some crusty bread, a glass of wine and a cat – I am ready to blow away the cobwebs and rock!
“Lost in Paradise” is accompanied by an official music video. The song is the final track taken from the band’s tenth studio album X, which arrived on October 24th, on Rockshots Records.
I will first of all share the press release with you:
“Formed in 2014 by vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo and guitarist/producer Andy Menario, Secret Rule has emerged as a powerhouse in the symphonic modern metal scene. Now joined by Andrea Miazzetto (drums) and Sofia Basili (bass), the band seamlessly blends crushing metal riffs, cinematic symphonic layers and cutting-edge electronic elements, all elevated by Angela’s commanding and emotive vocals. Hailing from Italy, Secret Rule has attracted audiences worldwide with their unique sound and high-energy performances.
With nine studio albums, the band has continually pushed the boundaries of the genre crafting richly layered compositions and thought-provoking lyrics. Their dedication to musical innovation has earned them a global following and a reputation as trailblazers in modern metal.
After a series of singles focused on inner conflict and resistance, “Lost in Paradise” shifts the emotional perspective inward. The track unfolds as a melancholic modern metal ballad, centered on the quiet realization that something once deeply familiar has been lost and on the strength required to face that absence without surrender.
Rather than dwelling in regret, the song channels loss into awareness and resolve. Its lyrics reflect on memory, distance and emotional disconnection capturing the fragile space between what was and what still deserves to be fought for. This tension is mirrored in the song’s progression, where restrained atmospheres gradually expand into a powerful emotional peak.
The track has a guest performance from singer songwriter Marco Pastorino.
My review:
Okay I liked this, big smile from your reviewer! I turned it up and gave my headphones a blast. It is really well crafted symphonic rock/metal. I liked the drum/bass feel and the vocals absolutely nail it with layers of harmony and pounding intent. The male/female duet style is exciting and listening to this made me forget the world and its problems for a while. I headed off to hear the rest of the album and that is a good sign. “Lost in Paradise” is a beautifully crafted slice of modern symphonic metal, driven by a powerful rhythm section and soaring, emotionally charged vocals. The male–female vocal interplay adds real depth, pulling the listener into a moment of reflection that feels both intimate and expansive. A strong statement from Secret Rule that made me dive straight into the rest of the album –turn it up, shut the world out, and let this one hit home.
Love what we do? Rock the Joint Magazine is completely free — no paywalls, no ads ruining the read — just passionate music journalism for 1,000 readers a day. If you enjoy hanging out with us, please consider hitting the “Support Us” button and buying us a coffee on Ko-Fi. Even a small donation genuinely helps keep the magazine running, lets us publish more features, and reminds us that people value independent music writing.
Website: https://www.secretrule.it
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretruleband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secret_rule_official
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SecretRule
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4zgiXGA2lONdvZunHOFESG
By Stevie Ritson