Miles Beyond describes themselves as a must have for Iron Maiden and Edguy fans alike. I must say with my first impression, this is exactly what was running through my mind. Miles Beyond combine the American metal style of bands like Iced Earth, with that of the power metal that Europeans love. In fact, it comes as no surprise to me that a band of this caliper has already played Headbanger’s Open Air in Germany. This CD, which is self-titled, is at the height of Detroit’s current metal scene.

Miles Beyond’s first disc is compiled of only clean vocals supplied by Tim Moody, who also handles the twin attack lead with Paulo. The rhythm section holds their own and keeps a great foundation for the lead worth and can also be heard during the opening to “Vlad the Impaler.” The album starts with a bang including “Out of Control” as well as “Miles Beyond” the title track. However, the album does contain its slower parts including “Take Me Back Home,” one of the most memorable tracks. Yet the most appealing track of all must go to “A Call to Odin,” which won the 2007 Song of the Year award from Sven's World Radio, CA. The only improvement I can give this band is slightly better production. All instruments can be heard clearly and separately, but this does not have that slick production like so many in the genre do today. Even with that said, this is a tremendous start for a young band.

Reviewed by QMII

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