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[miko2]

Today's Song: More than Simple Emotions by Secret Sphere

Secret Sphere is a cool symphonic power metal group from Italy. Except that symphonic power metal groups are practically a dime a dozen, so they really sound a lot like Thy Majesty which sounds like Heaveny which sounds like Wuthering Heights which sounds like Fairyland which sounds like Stratovarius which sounds like Sonota Arctica which sounds like Blind Guardian which sounds like Rhapsody which sounds like Angra which sounds like Avantasia... well, you get the picture. I'm exagerating because all of these bands have their own individual take on what they do, but you listen to enough of them in a row and all of the similarities start to run together.

Maybe that's why it took me a while to actually go out and buy a cd by Secret Sphere. They're quite good... but in point of fact, other Italian power metal bands are probably more interesting. Rhapsody does epic symphonic "movie soundtrack metal"; Thy Majestie do concept albums based on historical events like the battle of Hastings in 1066, and Elvenking does a very very good imitation of a Celtic / Elvish folk metal band, even if they're Italian. Secret Sphere is, by comparison, merely a very good power metal band with complex symphonic and operatic touches. Probably what sets them apart is that they write about some science fiction-like subjects, instead of strictly fantasy. (Yes, that's literally all that sets them apart from some of these other bands, heh.)

I did finally get their cd Scent of Human Desire and it's good. I like several of their songs.

They didn't used to be on iTunes, but they are now. You can also download some nice tracks from their earlier cds for free from their web site, if I remember right. I like White Lion and On the Wings of the Sun.

More than Simple Emotions - Secret Sphere

Secret Sphere @ Myspace