I was first exposed to the music of Rick Miller with his 2009 release, Falling Through Rainbows. In my review I stated how much he reminds me of two other modern prog musicians, Phideaux & Guy Manning. Well it seems that comparison can also be made for Rick’s 2008 release Angel Of My Soul, which was re-issued in 2010 with a bonus track through MALS Records. Rick handles a bulk of the instrumentation (guitars, bass & keyboards) and joining him is Barry Haggerty (guitars), and Will (drums).
From the opening track “Lords Of The Abyss” to the (original) closing track of “Dark Is The Night“, Rick Miller takes us on a dark moody journey that feels like it‘s a concept album in the way it flows seamlessly from song to song. The bonus track, “These Eyes Of Mine” has an almost epilog feel that closes the album in the 2010 edition.
The standout tracks for me are - “Lords Of The Abyss“, “Angel Of My Soul“ “For The Love Of You“ and “My Nightmare“. This doesn’t take away from the rest of the album, just songs that I gravitate towards. I also noticed that the songs especially “Lords Of The Abyss” have a rawer feel to them. To me it shows the soul of the musicians and not some glossy over produced albums circulating today.
I heard that MALS will be releasing Rick’s first two progressive rock based albums which should be pleasing to his fans such as myself. Rick’s brand of progressive rock has roots to the past while paying tribute to those bygone days. I would highly recommend that the acquisition of Angel Of My Soul, be a top priority in the evolution of the man, Rick Miller and his music.
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on September 16th, 2010
