For Miles Nielsen, paving his own path in the music world doesn’t come as easy as it does to others. The prolific guitarist and songwriter is the son of Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, but for Miles that’s where the similarities end. Nielsen and his band The Rusted Hearts have stepped outside the shadows of his father with a sound that mashes together the best of soul, rock, folk and pop with a hint of Americana, best exhibited on his latest record “Heavy Metal.”

Nielsen got his start in music late in his childhood. He picked up guitar at 13, after a background in trumpet. According to Nielsen he still has all of his prior instruments, saying that giving them up would be like losing a piece of himself.

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“If I were to get rid of them it’s not like the person that got them would understand what went into them being what they are,” Nielsen said. 

Music flows through the veins of the Nielsen family, not only with Miles’ father, but also in his brother Daxx, who he performed with in the group Harmony Riley before its split in 2004. In 2010 Daax joined father Rick as the drummer for Cheap Trick at an appearance on the tv show “Austin City Limits.” He hasn’t looked back since.

“Heavy Metal” is Nielsen’s second studio record backed by The Rusted Hearts, the first being 2012’s “Presents the Rusted Hearts,” which followed 2009’s solo debut titled “Miles.” The Rusted Hearts include Daniel James McMahon, Adam Plamann, Dave McClellan and Jeff Werckle.

“Heavy Metal” was recorded in four segments — two at Midwest Sound in the band’s hometown of Rockford, Illinois, and the final two in Lexington at Shangri-La Productions with Duane Lundy, according to Nielsen. Lundy also joined the group during its stints in Rockford to provide oversight and his unique perspective to the project, with Nielsen adding that the band’s sessions at Shangri-La were the first in the studio’s newly renovated space.

The record starts off with the catchy riffs and melodies of title track “Heavy Metal” before diving into an exploration of love lost on the track “Is This Life,” which features a bass and drum-driven intro before mixing with Nielsen’s edgy guitar licks and calming chorus. According to Nielsen, the record’s stripped-down intros that prominently display the combination of drums and bass help add to the cohesiveness of the album.

While the group has only been assembled for four years, Nielsen joked that four years is more than many other people can stand to be around the same people.

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“Some marriages don’t even last that long,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts return to Lexington for a show at The Burl on Saturday, Nov. 19, marking Nielsen’s first trip to town since opening up for Chico Fellini at The Burl in September. During its last visit, The Rusted Hearts received a rousing standing ovation at the conclusion of the set, taking the stage again minutes later for an encore, something unusual for an opening act.

“(Music) has taught me just about everything there is to teach someone because you have these songs you care for so much, and you put them out there for people to critique and hear and sometimes it’s like having someone tell you your kid is ugly,” Nielsen said. “Sometimes it’s not what you want to hear, but rather what you need to hear.”

IF YOU GO

What: Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts

When: Saturday, Nov. 19 at 9 p.m.

Where: The Burl – 375 Thompson Rd.

Tickets: $8 in advance, $10 at the door