In many ways, “Secrets of the Future” is an incredibly meta look at what it has meant for RELIQA to find their footing as artists. The band strived to build the songs they were writing up less piece by piece and more as a whole entity. Putting pen to paper with intention and knowing precisely what it is they are working towards. Approaching how the band functions allowed them to be more honest with each other about why they are doing this in the first place and what they want to achieve. The things that have propelled them up to now and the things they hope they can stand for in the coming years. An intentional shift into doing things differently.”

“Dying Light” is the first cut. It’s essentially a combination of Alternative music with, at times, a rapped cadence in the vocals, and backing with electronica. The sound is interesting, as there are moments of Metalcore, Progressive music, and others. “Cave” is put together nicely, however. This time, the various elements come together and create a synergy in the music. Perhaps the first song was just a bit off. The weighted elements are just as vital as the melodic ones. “The Flower” is another winner. There is a strong combination of Progressive elements with low end heaviness, and some very solid melodies and harmonies in the chorus.

“Sariah” has just that right amount of thick, meaty bass notes, guitars, and clean vocals, and the band really empties it out during the chorus. Here you get a sweet taste of the band’s more mysterious side. “Terminal” has a heavy dose of electronica, and you really get to take in the clean vocals more and they are glorious, indeed. So far, the band has managed to create several different approaches to their music, yet they are all tied together. “Crossfire” has more tender qualities, but still with the fierce backbone of Metal. “Physical” has a strong groove, with punishing Djent moments from the guitar work, as well as some fanciful bass work. The vocal harmonies are on point also.

“Two Steps Apart” focuses more on the melody than the heavy elements, though they are still present. But what we get here is a sense of development when it comes to the music, and this song breathes. “A Spark” has a lot of rapped vocals, I must admit, I honestly don’t care for these sounds in my music. It’s not that I am a purist, it’s just something I don’t prefer. That being said, they do work well with the rest of the song which has strong melodies. “Upside Down” closes the album, and I like the combination of weighted, Djent guitar accents and harmonized vocals. This song might be the one that I would use to represent the band and what they are all about.

Two things strike me about the band and album. First, the album is very well presented and produced. Second, it lives on the fringes of many different genres of music while refusing to commit to one over the other. They have carved out a nice niche for themselves with their talent and songwriting, and I think there is a lot to like for many different Metalheads out there.