Album Review: SECRETS "The Ascent"

written by: Shekinah Apedo



Artist: Secrets
Album: The Ascent
Producer: Tom Denney (For The Fallen Dreams, Close To Home)
Label: Velocity/Rise Records
Release Date: January 17, 2012

San Diego's SECRETS were picked as 1 of the 5 new metalcore bands to make noise in the underground music scene in 2012. They will release their debut, The Ascent, two weeks into the new year. Formed from disbanded groups at the end of 2010 and establishing their presence in early-2011, SECRETS hit the studio with Tom Denney in Summer 2011 to begin recording their Velocity/Rise debut. Tracks ("The Oath", "Somewhere in Hiding") recorded earlier in 2011 with Denney grafted a sustainable buzz and anticipation for a full-length.

The Ascent doesn't pop with shock but its a record performed and produced well. It stays true to the "metalcore" genre, not moving to create anything new but instead crafting a perfect "genre-based" album. Xander Bourgeois is voracious with his screams ("40 Below", "The Ascent"), he electrifies every song, attacking every lyric with an addictive energy that makes you want to hear more of him. "Blindside", an infuriating track about betrayal, Xander firmly supplants his role as frontman on this piece ripping into the betrayer: All of your money couldn't buy you respect, I dug a hole and filled the grave with your last breath! "The Best You Can't Be", a notable track about an unorthodox topic in metalcore, a father abandoning his son (reminds me of Sleeping With Sirens' "A Trophy Father's Trophy Son"); a song with justified frustration and anger. "The Hardest Part", an outcry promise to a loved one to be fully committed: This heart is yours, my body too, you're the only one I'll be kissing, you're the only one I'll be missing. "The Ascent", the title track is the heaviest, its an honest self-examination at one's imperfections with ravaging breakdowns, a full-on instrumental and vocal assault: This is the end, I don't need this anymore! Taking control is finding strength to let it go!

Merriam-Webster defines 'ascent' as the act of rising or mounting upward. Prepare to see SECRETS tear through 2012 with a neo-hardcore sound and swag. The potential is certainly there.

Rating: 7.5/10

Notable Tracks: "The Oath", "40 Below", "The Best You Can't Be", "Blindside", "You Look Good In Plastic", "The Ascent"

The Ascent Tracklist:
1. Genesis
2. The Oath
3. Somewhere in Hiding
4. The Heartless Part
5. 40 Below
6. Melodies
7. The Best You Can't Be
8. Blindside
9. The Hardest Part
10. You Look Good In Plastic
11. The Ascent

SECRETS are:

Xander Bourgeois - Screaming Vocals
Richard Rogers - Clean Vocals/Guitar
Michael Sherman - Guitar
Marc Koch - Bass
Joe English - Drums