Angel - “On Earth as it is In Heaven”
Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 11:33AM 
By Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
During the late 70's, the Washington DC based glam rock band Angel was on the verge of superstardom. This was a great and highly competitive time in rock music with bands such as Kiss, Boston, Aerosmith , Styx and Queen all being in the prime of their careers. Angel had the looks, the chops, a great stage show and a major label pushing them in Casablanca records However, they were never able to break into the mainstream because they lacked that all important ground breaking major rock anthem.
Last August, Lovember Records re-issued the band’s 1977 lost classic “On Earth as it is In Heaven.” This was the band’s third release and a bit of a departure from their previous two releases in that it was more commercial and less progressive sounding. This record was produced by legendary producer Eddie Kramer. The band which consisted of Punky Meadows (Guitar), Mickie Jones (Bass), Gregg Giuffria (Keyboards), Barry Brandt (Drums), and Frank DiMino (Vocals), delivered a ten track hard rockin’ release that was infused with infectious songs killer riffs and typical 70’s synth. Make no doubt about, this definitely sounds like a typical hard rock 70’s record. And that’s a very good thing.
The lead off track “Can You Feel It” is a powerful hard driving track. “You’re not Fooling Me” is a great epic song featuring some Brian May like leads compliments of Punky Meadows. “That Magic Touch” has a progressive taste in the flavor of Yes provided by Greg Giuffria. “White Lightning” is an anthem like hard rocker. The closer “Just a Dream” could have fit in nicely on a Styx record.
But still lacking on this album was that elusive song that could rock the charts and send millions to the record stores.
After this record, Angel would release two more studio albums and a live record as well, but still failed to achieve their quest for commercial success. This classic line-up of Angel broke up in the early 80’s. Today Angel exists with only original members Frank DiMino, Barry Brandt still in the band.
Angel could have easily been disregarded as nothing more than a poseur band based solely on image, and maybe in some cases they were. But there is much musically substance to this band. If you are a fan of 70’s rock, you should consider adding this to your collection. With the added linear notes and re-mastered sound it a nice reminder of the greatest era in rock history.
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