Stephen
Alessandria-based power metal outfit, Secret Sphere, commonly categorized in the same bucket with fellow Italian band, Rhapsody of Fire, but my ears told me that while both were rooted on symphonic power metal, Secret Sphere also combines progressive element with melodic metal flavor, while Rhapsody leaned toward an orchestrated metal. "Scent of Human Desire", that apparently at a first glance has an interesting musical mix, failed to deliver of what we called an outstanding songwriting. After couple of albums, the band still hasn’t evolved to a better stage and instead, they circulated around a safe passage and trapped on a mediocre platform.
If you can only find 2-3 superior tracks out of 11 songs, then you know there's a problem with the album. "1000 Eyes' Show" comprised of an uptempo intro and midtempo chugging riffs on Verse, and then convincingly flying high on the climax chorus, this is simply the best tune here. Also, putting 3 ballads seemed not a good idea especially if you can only capable of making decent songs, but I must admit, "More Than Simple Emotions" is beyond a simple arrangement. The song's construction is applauding, one of my fave here. "Runaway Train" is another great track to watch, from its DT's "Metropolis" style overture, nu-metal driven verse, and a soaring melodic chorus, but you can sense something small is missing here.
The excellent production and the brave attempt of implementing a lot of dynamic tempo to distinguish themselves from being condemned as a copycat of Rhapsody are worth an appreciation. Ramon's vocal range is wide but he suffered from a slight pitch control, you can hear him wandering out of key at times. The rhythm section was also needed some fixation, I still caught several bad timing and unsynchronized play, but the primary problem is definitely the terribly average songwriting. If only, at least half of the album has memorable and powerful songs, I can treat them with more stars, but in a positive way, the band needs to consider this 2.5-stars as the supportive whip for a better change.