Than as if it were being wielded by a bug-eyed one-legged madman. Reminiscent of classic Floyd or Camel, but I also found large elements of John 'Rabbit' Bundrick,Įspecially his 'Moccassin Warrior' albums as the flute is often used more as a native instrument Overstated), or there can be just gentle drums and keyboards, all I know is that I find myselfĭrawn into the world that he is creating time and again. Guitars canīe duetting with the wonderful flute of Sarah Young (whose contribution to this album cannot be Instruments being used, as it is the arrangements that really make such a difference.
No sign at all of him having an issue with quality control, as this one is better than his last! This isĪn incredibly emotive album, extremely deep and full of passion, even when there are just a few This is his fourth in four years, and his ninth since 2003, but there is Less than a year after I reviewed 'Immortal Remains', here I am writing about Rick's 2014 Posted Tuesday, Febru| Review this album | Report (Review #1130300) "Heart of Darkness", then, is the first masterpiece of 2014. He knows the type of music he wants to create, and he does it with gusto and Much as he has delighted me in "Heart of Darkness", but that just shows his skill and If this is the way that 2014 is going to perform, bring it on! Rick Miller has scared me as Instrumental with an incredible guitar solo and synth performance. It features incredible structure, mystery, and an awesome "The Dark Lady" is my favorite track, and certainly "The Dark Lady" and the blackened harmonies of "Come Summer, She Died" this album isĭeeply inspired and forbiddingly poetic. Soft, emotional pleas of "Blood of the Rose" and "Castle Walls" to the misty desolation of From the nightmarish, ethnic "Heart of Darkness" to the Surreal and stark, vague and frighteningly real. Soaring guitars and shrill flutes pierce through the dank atmosphere and rhythmic drums.Įlectronic synth laces the tribal vocal harmonies, displaying a marriage of synthetic and Pounding tribal drums interplay with exceptionalįlute passages and a thick, incense-laced atmosphere, and it's all so very enjoyable. To tailor "Heart of Darkness" to fit its theme. Into that mix, Rick has added ethnic and electronic touches
Hear a good amount of the light airiness of of Steve Hackett's solo albums here, too,Įspecially in Rick's vocal style. His music is definitely based on a foundation of Pink Floyd,Īs the music a swirling mix of guitar solos, ambient keys, and atmosphere.
Rick Miller is a busy musician with 9 releases since 2003. Be prepared, then, for an immersive experience. TheĪlbum is full of memorable, haunting lines, and expressive word pictures that really create Of the first things that struck me about this release is the quality of the lyrics, whether they be It seems only thematically based on Joseph Conrad's novel of the same name,īut really it could be a telling of the story from a purely emotional perspective. As you can tell from the darkĮvocation present in the sensual cover art, "Heart of Darkness" is mysterious and somehow Rick's newestĪlbum is a true experience for your senses and emotions. That, my friends, is the experience of Rick Miller's "Heart of Darkness". The drums pound in your skull: The rhythm entrances your soul. Pulse races: Your tongue sticks to the roof of your mouth. Gets heavier and heavier, and your mind embarks on a trip into madness and sorrow. Jungle, the flute pierces through the blackness.
Through the murky fog, the drums pound into your head.