Michael A. Ruelas | Angels and Demons

April 14, 2024 Publisher Music Reviews 0

by John Kindred
— Publisher —

Angles and Demons is the latest instrumental EP release from shredder Michael A. Ruelas.

The EP features the blissful explorations of Ruelas, whose musical endeavors reach back to 1989 when he made his recording debut for Guitar For The Practicing Musician magazine’s compilation album Resume Volume 1: Burnin. He eventually followed this up with 1998’s Souly Within and 2013’s Furious Play.

The songs on the new EP are driven by Ruelas’s fretboard mastery and the and the rhythmic intensity of the drums. Layered with keys and rhythm guitars his soloing takes the forefront on these lavish tracks. Swirling arpeggios, melodic passages, majestic and inspiring landscape of sound comprise this brief excursion into the world of Ruelas.

The vibe of Angles and Demons is uplifting. Combined with the energy and passionate performance by Ruelas, it’s hard to say that there are any low points through the EP. And one most likely would have a wanted a few more tunes to listen to.

Honestly its a quick and brief immersion into Ruelas’ world. He is not reinventing the wheel, but definitely is a masterclass musician with something to say. Give this EP a listen and see if it speaks to you. The Frank Sinatra instrumental cover closes out the EP and like Frank said Ruelas echoes the sentiment, he did it “My Way.”