The veteran Italian progressive metal band Soul Secret’s fifth album is a concept record based on keyboardist Luca Di Gennaro’s theory that people live their lives the same way they watch television. “People think they actively take part in life, but actually they are just watching others doing things,” he says in the promo materials for Blue Light Cage.
Soul Secret is no stranger to concept albums, as this is their third (following 2015’s 4 and 2017’s BABEL). On Blue Light Cage, the five-piece band navigates themes about conspiracy theories, isolation and the influence of mass media all the while sounding like Italy’s answer to Dream Theater. Former DT-er Derek Sherinian even shows up to play keys on “The Ghost Syndicate,” and Marek Arnold from United Progressive Fraternity plays soprano sax on the title track.
Longtime listeners will notice Soul Secret’s increased attention this time on choruses and bridges -- perhaps a nod to broadening the band’s audience. Make no mistake, though, this is still complex progressive metal with plenty of twists, turns and memorable performances.
Track Listing:
1. Opening Sequence
2. The Ghose Syndicate
3. A President’s Speech
4. Turn On
5. Blue Light Cage
6. We’ll Become Dust
7. Going Home
8. Jump Right In
9. Breathe and Recover