Mystic-Force grew out of the Maryland metal scene
with a strong drive for intricate ideas and ambitious songwriting. Formed in
1984 by Rich Davis and Marc Rouchard along with Keith
Menser, the group slowly shaped its identity through demo tapes and
small releases until European underground support pushed them into the
spotlight. By the time vocalist Bobby Hicks and
drummer Chris Lembach completed the stable
lineup, the band had built a reputation for pushing into heavier, more
adventurous material. Their second full length, “A Step Beyond,” arrived in
1995 and quickly became one of their most talked about works. This new version
has been restored and mastered by Patrick W. Engel,
bringing renewed attention to an album that marked an important moment in their
path.
“A Step
Beyond” presents Mystic-Force in a confident
creative phase, moving toward deeper structures without losing their metallic
backbone. The guitars run the show with elaborate patterns, shifting textures
and a constant sense of motion. The riffs twist in interesting directions,
while the rhythm section holds everything with precision and energy. Hicks delivers strong vocal lines, sometimes
soaring and sometimes pressing harder, giving the songs a dramatic lift. The
album carries a darker atmosphere than its predecessor and the band leans into
that character with steady control.
The
production of this remastered edition gives more body to the guitar work and
helps the vocal parts sit clearly over the music. Nothing is smoothed over, the
edges remain intact, and the songs retain their original spirit. The flow of
the album pulls the listener along through rising intensity, reflective
passages and bold melodic hooks. Mystic-Force always
aimed for more than a simple power metal recipe, and here they strike a balance
between technical ideas and solid songwriting instincts.
Three
decades later, “A Step Beyond” still sounds ambitious and driven. It catches a
band pushing forward, growing naturally and exploring their own path. The
darker tone and elaborate guitar work continue to stand out, and Hicks’ performance adds personality to every turn.
This reissue gives the album new life without changing its character, and it
remains an important release for anyone who follows progressive leaning
American power metal.
Score: 8.0
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