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Comebacks are always something dangerous, especially when few original members of a band remain, if any. Avalanch is one of such cases, where only guitarist Alberto Rionda is left from the classic lineup, but managed to build an entirely new lineup since the group disbanded in 2012, and a true all-star team at that, with monsters of the scene such as Mike Terrana and Gamma Ray's Dirk Schlächter.

The Secret compiles Avalanch's Latin way of writing songs with some tried-and-true power metal elements, especially from the Euro scene. The product of this is something like a mix of Angra's more pompous works, Pyramaze-like prog aura and Serious Black's catchiness. In fact, Israel Ramos' vocal lines are often quite similar to Urban Breed's nasal, powerful style, but—of course—less mesmerizing and impactful.

Instrumental-wise the album is a treat, even if Terrana's usual tricks have been kind of neutered, but every note is carefully placed and the overall prog/power elements are of high quality. The songs are actually not as epic as I expected, but I would point out "The Flower in the Ice" and closer "New Moon" as the best tracks here.

With catchy, melodic, and highly inspired songwriting, Rionda managed to make Avalanch's comeback a very respectful one, and thank Odin that he abandoned that awful "Avalanch All Star Band" name, at least for the sake of this album. Here's hoping that we can hear more from these guys in the future.