SECRET RULE is a Metal band based out of Rome, Italy. I wasn't able to find much information about them in terms of history or discography. "Machination" as an album contains eleven tracks. "Ex-Machina" opens with some programming before turning into a darker sound, complete with dual vocal harmonies and a familiar Symphonic feeling. "The Savior" is faster paced, and uses both positive and negative sounds to create something a little less dark. The chorus is hasty and virile in nature and you can hear the "too late" kind of message in the lyrics. "I Have the Sun" has a very eerie sound, from both the short guitar riff, keyboard parts and the extended vocal wails after the verses, heavy with effects. It almost sounds like a ghost singing. "Dolls" is super-charged with speed and we hear some short gravely vocals for the first time on the album. I love where they let the keyboards shine through and carry some melody. It definitely has a Power Metal quality to it, but no dragons are being slain here.

"The Image" is speckled with piano and a more grandiose sound overall. Emotions run high in this piece, especially in the chorus. You can also really hear the tender vibrato of Angela's voice, with a pitch and range that you simply cannot pick apart. "You're the Player" is more into the Symphonic side, but not overdone. It's faster song that uses keys and programming nicely and the riff, though simple, is definitely memorable. "Your Trap" opens with some mysterious electronica and it carries forth and intersects with the riff nicely. Keys can really add texture to music and SECRET RULE has done very well with this so far on the album. They don't overtake the sound but rather contribute as a supporting player. "Foolish Daisy" is a slower song that features the beautiful richness of Angela's voice and the snarl of Death vocals, done with a lyrical tone of warning of sorts.

"A Mother" is the closing track. As the title suggests, it is a light and introspective song with a heavy mark of longing and remembrance of times past. Overall I was impressed with the album. It's hard not to talk about other "female fronted" Metal bands in comparison but I never liked that description anyway. They are a Metal band that bring a lot to the table...emotion, genuineness, ambiance, hart-hitting beats and a truly outstanding singer in Angela Di Vincenzo. She has a really rich and well-trained voice that allows her to sing beautifully and aggressively when the sound calls for it, and her pitch and range are truly exceptional.