I was not initially a fan of Secret Sphere's tenth studio album (not counting the 2015 re-recording of A Time Never Comes), Blackened Heartbeat, which was disappointing as I enjoyed the last one, 2021's Lifeblood. I found (and still find) Blackened Heartbeat dark, which is OK for power metal, but with far too many modern metal elements like the annoying guitar squeals on the title track (undermining probably the best chorus on the album) and the triggered drums (at least they sound triggered to me). The vocal lines are dull, and the songwriting just isn't very exciting. I can't remember any of the melodies or choruses despite repeated listens, with the exception of "Anna," which sounds like something Extreme (the "More than Words" band) would have done, down to the overly saccharine strings and acoustic guitar hand slaps. However, Blackened Heartbeat has grown on me a little with each listen and, while I still don't love it, I admit it is a well played and slickly produced record, so if your power metal tastes are on the darker side, it might have more appeal. Secret Sphere has been at this too long to release a horrible album, so mileage will undoubtedly vary. As for me, there are too many things I'll be happy if they drop for the next one, so I'll leave Blackened Heartbeat to others.