Album Review: Angels and Devils – Welcome To Paradise (Self Released)

Angels and Devils from Breda, the Netherlands is Michel Meijer’s new solo project. At a young age, he fell in love with rock ‘n roll music and started playing the drums. Later he added guitar, bass guitar and vocals to his list. Michel grew up with the musical influences of Kiss, Queen, Iron Maiden, Metallica, The Rolling Stones and AC/DC, among many others. With a ton of stage and studio experience, the time was right to start his own solo project: Angels and Devils.

A band name that arose from Michel’s own life experience between the darker and brighter sides of life. All music and lyrics were written by Michel and he did not only play the instruments and sing the vocals for this record, he also produced, mixed and mastered it.

Yet, there were some guest roles for Jamie Jochems and Youri Valentijn from the band At First, Peter Westerlaken from former Tio Gringo and Rank and File, Myllie Tunes, Melody Frost, Mario Miracolo, Cyriel Lenting and Paul Kruis from former Millstone and Bert Heerink & Friends.

The 12-track debut album ‘Welcome To Paradise’ will be released on May 28th, 2021.

Hard rocking music with metal influences, Welcome to Paradise indeed. Angels and Devils delivering a groovy slice of good time energy that has one foot rooted in the nostalgia of rock’s heady days of old. It just so happens that Angels and Devils are so damn good at it and it’s testament to Michael Meijer’s talent seeing as he’s a one-man show.

You can certainly hear his influences early on. From the likes of AC/DC on Hard Love to the likes of Guns ‘N Roses on Thunderball to the likes of Deep Purple on Limousine and The Rolling Stones on The World Is On Fire. If those are the parts of bands you like to listen to (and who doesn’t?!) then you’re going to find Welcome to Paradise a constant joy to the ears.

There’s plenty more to come too. The kick-ass riffing and chorus of Four Leaf Clover, the sexy groove of Kamasutra, the jagged energy of Still Among the Living and the swagger of You Will Love Me. A constant flow of foot-tapping and finger-snapping tunes to put a smile on faces.

Which it really will. There’s no question that Angels and Devils is pulling in the same direction overall. The only oddity being the melodious and moody edges of Set Me Free, a track that leans towards a darker tone but not overtly so. It’s not suffocating stuff, just a momentary change in direction.

If you want to get back to moving, fear not. Now It’s My Time, Pyramids and Human Race bring plenty of rocking energy and heavy noise. Ending things in super satisfying fashion.

It’s a simple formula that has worked for decades: rock out and they’ll rock out too. That mantra has made superstars out of many and while the way the music industry is these days ensures that won’t be Angels and Devils’ fate, there’s nothing to suggest they won’t be able to garner a massive following off music this fun.

Angels and Devils – Welcome to Paradise Full Track Listing:

1. Hard Love
2. Thunderball
3. Limousine
4. The World Is On Fire
5. Four Leaf Clover
6. Kamasutra
7. Still Among the Living
8. You Will Love Me
9. Set Me Free
10. Now It’s My Time
11. Pyramids
12. Human Race

Links

Bandcamp | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube