Secret Rule – UNInVERSE

By starrymag | October 21, 2024

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Our sound is a heavy mix of symphonic metal with some modern rock and electronic vibes. We like to throw in hard-hitting guitar riffs, pounding drums and catchy melodies. It’s all about balancing the heavy stuff with melodic, emotional vocals. We want it to be intense, but still easy to connect with, with themes about life, death and personal struggles. Whether it’s a crushing riff or a soaring chorus, we want to hit you hard and make you feel something.

Q) Please tell us a few of your musical and artistic influences.

A) As a vocalist and songwriter, my musical influences have been quite diverse, ranging from Italian pop music, which I grew up with, to international rock and metal bands that shaped my artistic journey. Italian pop has always been close to my heart, especially for its emphasis on melody and emotion and that has definitely influenced the way I approach vocals and songwriting.

On the international front, bands like Skunk Anansie and The Cranberries have been huge inspirations for me, particularly in terms of vocal expression and emotional depth. Skin’s powerful, raw delivery and Dolores O’Riordan’s unique voice taught me the importance of emotional vulnerability in music. Then there are artists like Alanis Morissette and Anouk who showed me how to channel personal experiences and emotions into strong, fearless performances.

In the rock and metal scene, bands like Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil and Nightwish have definitely influenced Secret Rule’s sound, especially with their blend of symphonic and gothic elements. I love how these bands merge heaviness with beautiful melodies and create a dramatic atmosphere that feels cinematic. Pink Floyd also holds a special place in my heart for their ability to create expansive, thought-provoking music that transcends genres, and they inspire me to experiment and push boundaries creatively.

I also admire bands like Stratovarius and Anathema for their musical evolution and the emotional depth in their compositions. They’ve shown me how important it is to let your sound evolve while staying true to your artistic identity. Altogether these influences have shaped my approach to music, and I strive to bring elements of all these worlds into Secret Rule’s sound – creating something powerful, emotional, and authentic.

Q) The video for your single “Time Zero” recently came out. What inspired you to write this song of resilience and resurgence?

A) “Time Zero” is a powerful anthem about transformation, resilience and the strength to face our inner and outer demons. When writing this song, we wanted to capture that pivotal moment in life when everything feels like it’s collapsing, yet it’s also the exact point where you find your true strength. The imagery of “reborn from the fire” reflects the idea that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to rise again, stronger than before.
The lyrics also explore the cyclical nature of existence – how we are made of “blood and bones,” yet also “sons of stars and forces.” It speaks to both our physical reality and a deeper spiritual energy that transcends life and death. The theme of “coming back to time zero” symbolizes a return to our essence, to a place of inner peace and clarity, where we are no longer held back by fear or doubt.

The world is full of challenges and sometimes it feels like it’s crumbling around us, but this song is a reminder that we have the ability to fight back, to embrace our fire and to keep pushing forward. It’s about that inner awakening, a call to find our strength when we feel the most vulnerable. Ultimately, “Time Zero” is an invitation for listeners to confront their struggles head-on and emerge from them transformed, ready to take on whatever comes next.

Q) The “Time Zero” video features the band playing in a barrage of fire and flames. What was your intention in the video and fiery visuals throughout it?

A) The fiery visuals in the “Time Zero” video were meant to symbolize transformation and inner strength. Fire represents both destruction and rebirth, aligning with the song’s theme of overcoming challenges and rising stronger. We wanted the flames to capture that raw energy, reflecting the internal battle we all face when confronting our demons and embracing our resilience.

The fire surrounding the band symbolizes the unstoppable force of willpower, matching the intensity of the lyrics about being “reborn from the fire.” The goal was to create a visual experience that embodies the chaos and empowerment of the song’s message.

Q) How are fans receiving “Time Zero” in comparison to the other four singles you’ve released off your most recent album UNInVERSE?

A) The response to “Time Zero” has been incredible! Fans have really connected with its intense energy and empowering message. Each single from UNInVERSE has brought something unique to the table.

It feels like this track is hitting a sweet spot where the music, lyrics and visuals all come together in a powerful way. The enthusiasm and feedback we’ve received so far show that it’s striking a chord with listeners, which is really exciting for us!

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you create riffs and music before lyrics, or vice versa?

A) Our songwriting process is pretty collaborative and can go in both directions. Sometimes I’ll come up with a vocal melody or lyric idea and record it on my phone, while Andy [Menario] is constantly writing riffs on his guitar. We’ll exchange ideas – I’ll give him my vocal lines, and he’ll start building riffs and arrangements around them, or I’ll create melodies based on his guitar work.

From there, we pick the ideas that really stand out and have potential and we dive deeper into developing them. It’s a back-and-forth process where we build on each other’s strengths, refining the songs until they truly capture the energy and emotion we’re aiming for. This fluid approach keeps the creativity flowing and allows each song to evolve naturally.

Q) In addition to rebirth and inner strength, what other themes do you explore on the UNInVERSE album?

A) On UNInVERSE, we explore a wide range of themes that go beyond rebirth and inner strength. The album delves into personal and cosmic struggles, touching on the balance between chaos and order. Tracks like “Disorder” and “Equilibrium” reflect the tension between instability and finding inner peace, while “Shards of Time” explores the fleeting nature of life and the weight of our experiences.

We also look at existential questions in songs like “Gravity on Us” and “Black Hole,” where we contemplate the forces that shape our reality, both physically and emotionally. “Multiple Me” speaks to the complexity of identity and the many versions of ourselves we encounter throughout life. Meanwhile, “From Null to Life” reflects on the mystery of creation and existence and the title track, “UNInVERSE,” ties everything together, addressing the interconnectedness of all things in the universe.

Overall, the album is a journey through the forces that shape us, both internally and externally and the way we navigate through them.

Q) You’ve collaborated with many legendary musicians, including fan favorites like Within Temptation. Who are a few other dream collaborations you’d love to have on your tenth album and beyond?

A) It would be amazing to collaborate with bands like Lacuna Coil, Falling in Reverse and In This Moment – each of them brings such a unique energy and style that could really complement what we do. Their blend of heaviness, emotion, and melody aligns perfectly with our vision.

But honestly, there are so many talented musicians out there that it’s hard to limit it to just a few! The idea of continuing to evolve through collaborations is exciting and we’re always open to exploring new partnerships that push creative boundaries.

Q) In celebration of your tenth anniversary as a band coming up, what are some of your favorite songs you’ve released over the years?

A) Wow, that’s a tough one! Every album is like one of our kids, each with its own vibe and character. Plus, they were all written at different times, so each one has its unique feel. If you asked the rest of the band, you’d probably get different answers from each of them! But right now, for me, songs like “One More,” “The Song of the Universe,” “Birth” and “I Am” are what I’m really into at the moment. They just hit the spot for where I’m at right now.

What messages do you hope listeners take away after listening to UNInVERSE?

A) With UNInVERSE, we hope listeners take away messages of resilience, self-discovery and interconnectedness. The album explores personal challenges, inner strength and the forces that shape our lives, but at its core it’s about finding balance within the chaos and understanding our place in the universe.

We want people to feel empowered to confront their struggles head-on, to realize they’re capable of transformation and growth, no matter how dark things may seem. Ultimately, the album is a reminder that we’re all part of something bigger and through the ups and downs, there’s always the potential for rebirth and renewal.

Q) Are you able to give us any hints on what you’ve got planned for your special 10th anniversary album?

A) I can’t spill too much! We love keeping our fans on their toes! But I can tell you we’ve just wrapped up writing our best material yet. We’re confident people are gonna be stoked when they hear the new album. Plus, we’ve got some killer festival appearances coming up, and we’re already working on some tour plans for 2025. So…stay tuned!

Q) What would you like to say to all the fans and listeners of your music?

A) To all our fans and listeners, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your incredible support and enthusiasm. Your connection to our music and the energy you bring to our shows means everything to us.

Each song we create is a piece of our journey and knowing that it resonates with you makes it all worthwhile. Thank you for being part of this journey with us, for sharing the highs and lows and for being the driving force behind what we do. We hope our music continues to inspire, empower and connect with you. Stay tuned for more!