This is one of the few blogs that I did not consider for a long time before writing (and hopefully publishing). It’s one of the blogs where I hear a song and I just decide I want to talk about it without even knowing what exactly I am going to say. So bear with me since I really don’t have a structure to stick to this time, but I think this song deserves attention.

I have to admit I am a bit late with this one since the song was released two days ago but it came to my attention just now. I used to be quite addicted to Of Mice and Man a few years ago and I am ashamed to admit I am way behind with their releases recently. So I used the occasion to catch up and say a few words about the band as well.

I got hooked when Restoring Force was released in 2014 and I thought “this might just become my favorite band”. I have to admit Restoring Force was what got me hooked and the only album I truly loved in its eternity. I did check the first two records of the band several times and I found songs I fell in love with, but nothing stuck with me like the 2014 banger. It was the balanced type of heavy rock/metal which I am so attracted to and I couldn’t really get into the super heavy and growling/screaming deathcore the band produced in 2009-2012 (but I still highly appreciate those records, just to make it clear).

But there was another reason the third album of the band took a special place in my heart. And this is exactly the balance which Austin Carlile‘s unique voice brought. His singing is incredible and his screams are powerful as hell which combined with Aaron Pauley‘s unfiltered and aggressive growls makes the essence of Of Mice And Men.

Can we please take a moment and appreciate the artwork of this masterpiece. Look closely.

Why am I saying all of this? Because Of Mice and Men is not a band I would usually fall in love with but their core essence and style managed to stick with me even though their music is a bit too heavy for my liking (in general, that is). And because when Austin left the band in 2016 I thought this might just be the end of it all. I always considered him the main element that kept the band moving forward. Which might turn out not being completely true.

Well, I have to admit this guy will always be an irreplaceable part of the band and his departure will leave a scar on the band forever.

Cold War was the last album which Carlile was part of and feels like the most heartfelt and sincere record the band has produced. Most likely because of the topics touched and the way Austin wanted to leave his mark on the band and give out all he had left. The lead vocalist left the band due to suffering from the Marfan syndrome (which made it impossible for him to tour anymore) and the band made the decision to keep creating music and keep spreading their messages and heavy riffs regardless (repsect for that boys).

Of Mice and Men is one of those bands which always create artworks perfectly capturing the core of the message of the records.

I have to admit (with shame) that I didn’t think the band will succeed much more after the departure of Carlile. However, looking back at the history of the band – this is not the first time a core member is leaving and the band has to keep proving themselves. It took some time but they are back more powerful than ever and with passion and drive that cannot be extinguished.

Defy was the fifth Of Mice and Men album which showed the true nature of the band and what they are best at – super heavy solos, screams, growls, and powerful lyrics balancing aggression and acceptance. It was definitely a great statement that the band is not going to back down and the almost completely sold out world tour which followed was another proof. In terms of musical experimentation and evolution Defy combined going back to the roots of why the band started and adding modern sounds and relevant topics which, I have to say, made it the success it turned out to be.

The new era looks promising!

And now the band is teasing the beginning of a new era with a surprise release of their newest song How To Survive. Which I have to say is the best they have produced for a long time. I cannot judge about the sound of an album by just one song, of course, but I have to say that How To Survive strongly reminds of The Flood era (in terms of sound, and to Restoring Force in terms of lyrics) and looks like a return to the deathcore roots of the band with Aaron Pauley giving out his best screams and most aggressive lyrics yet. Which is not a bad thing, but I would love to hear a modern twist to it all and I am sure there are surprises for all of us in the new record.

The song is absolutely hyping and energizing to listen to. The first few seconds are enough to get you moving around and introduce the heaviness and the vibe of the song quite well. The instrumentals are just incredible and Aaron‘s voice seems to be in perfect shape ready to conquer the world (which might actually happen). The lyrics are not a disappointment as well dealing with the contained anger towards trying to make it out in spite of being pushed around and despite all the struggles on the way. It is a great reminder to all those people who have lost courage and are being held down by someone or by their own mind – an anthem which will inspire a personal riot and boost the self-confidence of many, I am certain.

I am definitely looking forward to the next single and the new album and I recommend you check the band out in case you missed them. Thanks a lot for reading, as usual, I’m leaving you with my favorite song from the band.

This takes me back! Still a banger!

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