Secular Era and Drexl Bowie have crafted something truly weighty and somber with While Nero Played. This album is not for the faint-hearted, and it’s certainly not for those seeking background music to fill a void.

This conceptual release delves into the darkest corners of human nature, creating the sense that the artists are holding up a mirror — one you’ll have to look into, whether you want to or not.

photo by @secularera777

To be honest, I listened to this album about ten times before sitting down to write, and each time, I discovered something new. In headphones, it was an absolute plunge into nirvana, making you forget where you are. And even when I had it on in the background, I kept returning to these sounds in my mind, like a disturbing sign you simply can’t hide from.

It feels as though Drexl Bowie is initiating a slow breakdown in the mind of anyone brave enough to listen. From the first riffs, you’re enveloped by this oppressive, viscous atmosphere — the sound rolls over you like a tide that engulfs every particle of sanity, forcing you to lower your usual defences and let every heavy guitar note cut through, like a blade beneath the skin.

And if I say it sounds like something inevitable, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration. This album is a warning — it’s cold, merciless, exposing everything we’ve tried to hide from for so long. Greed, power, wars — we’ve heard these themes countless times, but here, they take form, a sound that literally envelops and won’t let go until the final chord plays. It’s almost like immersion into a parallel world where human vices are laid bare, leaving the listener no choice but to accept it.

How It Sounds

While Nero Played feels like a cohesive, singular work — all 12 tracks connect as though they’re chapters of a somber, piercing novel about humanity on the brink of self-destruction. Each song flows seamlessly into the next, creating the effect of a continuous sonic symbiosis. Still, there are a few tracks I’d especially recommend paying attention to.

photo by @secularera777

Master Morality is a thunderous opening, where the roar of guitars and drums merges with vocals, tearing through the silence and creating the effect of a true blaze. The sound here offers no comfort: Drexl Bowie’s guitar literally roars, and his vocals cut through like flames, burning from within. Martyr picks up this relentless wave with powerful guitar riffs, exposing the darkest corners of the human soul. This track sounds like the scream of an inner world hidden within each of us. The depth of sound and relentless guitar riffs make it feel like we’re face-to-face with our own demons.

Men of War is a true cry amid harsh rhythms. In Bowie’s low, almost prayerful vocals, there’s a palpable sense of despair, as if every verse is a final plea. When the track’s structure abruptly shifts, adding more ‘hook-laden’ elements, it easily lodges itself in the mind. Plata O Plomo stands out with powerful, textured sound. Once again, Bowie’s vocals feel like a sinister voice from the subconscious, giving the impression that someone’s watching you. The riffs roll in like waves, and the sharp, almost desperate vocals send chills down your spine. This track grabs hold and doesn’t let go until the very last note.

While Nero Played — the title says it all. It opens with a light, deceptively calm riff, but quickly grows into a powerful, stadium-sized sound. It has everything to build excitement: massive energy pulsing through both the lyrics and melody. Gentle strings add a symphonic touch, making this track a true culmination of the album. They Don’t Know sounds more commercial, playing with a slow build-up of energy and complex rhythm changes. This track is for those wanting to break free from typical perceptions. The masterful execution leaves a sense that Secular Era and Bowie are truly crafting music that fully engulfs.

A Night Nameless and Eternal is an adrenaline rush. The complex vocals split into high and low lines, paired with a somber arrangement that creates a sense of true catharsis. This finale is where Secular Era poured in all their power and passion, as if awakening something primal. Slave Morality closes the album but doesn’t loosen its grip. It’s an absorbing ballad, laced with soft yet equally merciless vocals. The feeling of a calm conclusion doesn’t let the album disperse; it lingers like a warm yet unsettling aftertaste, a reminder that all this darkness is an inseparable part of us.

While Nero Played is a critique of humanity, almost a statement of accusation. It’s not the album’s theme that’s most frightening but this dark, ominous feeling that we are indeed heading towards our own demise, and the scariest part — that many actually enjoy it. Drexl Bowie and Secular Era offer no answer to the question of “what next?”, but if you’ve ever wondered what comes after the fall, just play this album.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub