A solid handful of releases to their credit, “In the Branches” is one of many classy tunes that show emo and hardcore tendencies, matured by time and talent.
Before the phrase “Italian power metal” sends you screaming for the exits, know that Secret Sphere craft a pretty sweet Dream Theater-style instrumental opener.
I like an opening act that can work a crowd just as much as the next guy who arrived too early, and this Jersey crew has the talent to accomplish that feat.
The irony-free pomp and ponderous nature of most symphonic/prog/power metal usually gives me a limp noodle right quick, but I’ve gotta hand it to Angra.