"Flowing Portraits" is the debut album of the Italian band Soul Secret, which was recently released by ProgRock Records. Influenced mainly by Dream Theater, but from Vanden Plas, Spock’s Beard and Symphony X as well, Soul Secret have done a giant step towards their establishment as a rising force in modern progressive metal. It maybe very early, but the signs are very positive. Their debut is full of intensity, power and melodies.

 "Flowing Portraits" is like a crowed bazaar, where you will meet the excellent keyboard work of Luca Di Gennaro (very similar to Jordan Rudess work in "Scenes..." and "Six Degrees..."), the restless and clever guitars of Antoni Vittozzi, the discrete yet intelligent bass of Lucio Grilli and Antonio Mocerino’s stunning drums. Special reference has to be made to the vocal performance of ex-Mind Key lead singer Mark Basile, who is raising the whole album to the sky and high above. The album clocks over one hour, with most notable moments "Tears of Kalliroe", which has a symphonic overture theme close to the tradition of Symphony X ("Divine Wings..."), and "First Creature". In a few words, "Flowing Portraits" is brilliant album in every aspect. The album was recorded at Orange Bug studios in Naples and the mastering had the auspices of Threshold's guitarist Karl Groom.

A critical point is that Soul Secret do not claim laurels of innovation, like others do. They state that they have been influenced by Dream Theater and they do not hide the fact that they were initially formed as a tribute band. Even though they are sincere, they have to work towards creating their own mark. After all they come from a scene with excellent progressive metal bands, not to mention the legendary unique Italian progressive rock of '70s.