Miles2fall – Lower Skies

Miles2fall is still a relatively young band from Germany that was founded in 2021 by former members of Mindcrime and Groophe. After just two years of band’s existence, the full-length debut entitled Lower Skies, was released at the end of 2023. Lower Skies consists of 10 tracks, completely written and composed by band’s five members. Mastering was done by none other than Dan Swanö at his ‘Unisound’.

On Lower Skies this German quintet plays what I would call a Gothenburg-styled groovy and down-tuned (melodic death) metal. In other words; their sound is filled with groove, melodic twin-guitars and wide range of varied vocals (epic vocals combined with harsh and erupting growls). Tight low ends and unique synths are completing the sound. Although clearly inspired by Gothenburg-style metal, the guys from Miles2fall manage to create their own unique yet modern blend of various genres such as – traditional heavy metal, thrash-, dark- and melodic death metal and even a bit of metalcore.

The album opens with the song called “Greater Sound” – it serves as a successful introduction to the modern metal style the guys stand for. I like the mix of growling and more clean vocals here. “My Dominion” is the following track,, being a bit darker and harsher at times, at least compared to its predecessor. Next comes a self-titled track, “Lower Skies” where the guys introduce and develop their own style. The mixture of synth interludes and harsher/darker metal fits together well in this song. “Dead Air” is the shortest track from Lower Skies. It starts off in a spaced-out way, before it develops further in both ferocious and futuristic way. Another awesome song is the middle track named “Distance” where the female vocals are introduced for the first time. I think the female vocals by Mona Babberger add another dimension to their sound, primarily with more variety and unpredictability. Thus, “Distance” is a very cool yet a completely different kind of a song. “The Space Between Us” builds up slowly, has an orgasmic climax and then slowly ends in prog metal manner. On the other hand “Thin Line” is more of a metal song, which features dark and harsh growls and fast instrument playing, having a serious potential for a decent mosh pit. “We Remain” has more individual synth layers, but it’s still a heavy song that will please all listeners who like their metal diverse and varied. “Claiming” is just another electrifying sonic metal assault on all the senses, blending powerful old-school with more modern metal influences to create a sound that is both ferocious and therefore calling for a serious head-banging. The album ends with a solid and good track called “Lost” which unfolds an epic ending of brutally honest metal.

I like the artistically beautiful cover artwork, the work of Christoph Weller. Having in mind that it’s entirely self-made record, then I have only praise for the production; being powerful, dynamic, transparent and modern. Overall, the gentlemen have done a good job, from the pretty artwork to the band photos, to the presentation of the physical CD, everything is just at the highest level.

Despite the different genres melting together, most of the songs from Lower Skies grooves well, getting the listener engaged, and where most of the songs are slow in a build-up, but very listenable and often quite easy to follow. Due to the songs with lots of variations, and numerous shifts of all kinds, means that it doesn’t sound boring at all.

Lower Skies is an album that might please both old-school and modern metal fans. At least I can say that I had a great time while listening to this debut-record and I can’t wait to see where Miles2fall will take us in the future.

Lower Skies is an absolute purchase recommendation for fans of the aforementioned Gothenburg-style metal and bands such as In Flames, Dark Tranquility, At The Gates, Hypocrisy, Soilwork, but also the likes of Nevermore, Meshuggah, Nine Inch Nails and similar acts.

For more info on this fun & catchy debut release from this powerful five-piece group from the western part of Germany, visit https://miles2fall.bandcamp.com/album/lower-skies