SECRET SPHERE is a Power Progressive Metal band from Italy formed in 1997. These guys credit bands such as HELLOWEEN, ANGRA, DREAM THEATER, and SAVATAGE as their biggest influencers. SECRET SPHERE has one debut demo, eight full-length tracks and a newly released live album "One Night in Tokyo". They are back with their ninth full-length album "The Nature of Time". This album comes in with eleven tracks and a listening time of just under 56 minutes.

Track one "Intermission" has a soft entrance played by the keys. There is some 'radio' noise buried in the back ground. The only real words spoken in the track is at the very end "I hear the calling." Then this 1:40 track transitions into "The Calling". The transition is elegant and the guitar work is stunning. It sounds like Classic 80's riffage layered with the keys. Then, enters that awesome Power Progressive Metal, that has an Epic vibe to it. The vocals confused me at first (before I knew the who the members were). Usually, this genre is filled with bellowing female vocals, but not SECRET SHPERE. Hello clean male vocals that aren't overdone. Again, the transition from track two to track three is perfectly done, as well.

"Courage", track four, comes in on fire with burning guitars. There are hints of Folk love here, but the track itself is on the harder side. While the other musical elements are solid, this track was made for the guitars. There is so much beauty in the musicianship here and so many different elements that while the guitars are shinning everything else is intricately laced together. There is so much to hear that there is something new each time you listen to it.

Track six "Honesty" is another of the harder tracks on the album. The vocals are a bit harsher here, as well. The keys are really nice in this track as is the drum work. The drums have a bit more rhythm changes, faster overall play, and a harder deeper sound. Speaking of depth, the bass gets some much-earned glory in this one as well.

"Commitment", track nine, is by far my favorite track on the album. The drums are harder, there are some jazzy groves, but most of all, there is real tangible straight Progressive Metal glory. Being the shortest track on the album (apart from the opening track), I was pretty bummed for such a phenomenal piece to be so short. This instrumental gives us a look at what each individual can accomplish. The talent that flows within this group is strong.

The final track "The New Beginning" comes in soft and wispy with the ambience the keys produce. The guitars come in lightly. The vocals are soft and inspiring. The music slowly builds into what feels like having the confidence to move into the new beginning. The track picks up nicely, ending the album out well.

SECRET SPHERE's "The Nature of Time" is a beautiful time lapse album. While each track tells a story of its own, the album tells one as a whole. What a wonderful way to approach the writing. Every transition of every track was thoughtful and downright perfect. I love a good transition, and each track here has it. If you are looking for brutal hardcore Metal, this isn't that. However, if you want something with depth and raw emotion, with incredible guitar work, and with a fantasy Progressive Power Metal, check this out.