I’ll be frank, I’ve never listened to this band before this review. neo-metal-core is not normally what you’d find on my iPod, but being open-minded is key. Of Mice And Men are a relatively new band on the scene. Only being a band at all since 2009, the group’s third album, “Restoring Force,” warrants some examination as an example of the evolution of metal-core. This far it has taken the Number 1 spot on the U.S. hard rock charts and the U.S. independent albums chart, as well as the Number 2 spot on the the U.K. rock charts. The album is only eleven tracks long, and dropped on January 28th of 2014. So, let’s dive in.
Instrumentally, the album is pretty standard. Riffs are well constructed, but a little bit predictable. Overall very tasteful and kept me interested, and there is a nice guitar solo in the song, “Bone’s Exposed.” Drumming is very standard and honestly bored me a little bit, but is by no accounts poor.
Vocally, Austin Charlile, former Vocalist of metalcore act Attack! Attack! has definitely imposed some influence, but it’s only an echo. His vocal style has matured quite nicely. The mesh of “harsh-to-clean,” songwriting shows through in tracks like “Feels Like Forever,” and “Bones Exposed.” Unfortunately the tracks really didn’t do much for me in the ways of excitement. You may find yourself bobbing your head during overtures though.
However, the track “Would You Still Be Here,” is a musical gem. The guitars use opposing riffs and they sound fantastic. The whole song just has a fantastic groove. “Bones Exposed,” “Feels Like Forever,” and “Would You Still Be There,” all have videos on Youtube. None of them impressed me, but they were standard enough to serve the purpose. “Identity Disorder,” has a “Live-Video,” that is edited from live footage and it’s actually a lot more enjoyable to watch. The “Video,” for “You’re Not Alone,” is just a shameless commercial for the album. Disgraceful.
Lyrically, the album is relatively transparent. Boring “my life has been hard,” and “heavy-love-ballads,” are bountiful in tracks like “Glass Hearts.” Frankly, I was disappointed. The lack of poetry was really apparent, and the focus seemed to be on being “accessible,” Messages are too obvious with no attempt at allusion. The ballad “Another You,” oddly enough, stands out as being quite the opposite of the rest of the album in this way. If I can say anything for the lyrics, at least they are positive. Beyond that, very standard; not crap, but certainly not great.
Well, I’ll give Of Mice and Men’s “Restoring Force,” three Stars. It’s a pretty standard neo-metalcore album with some sweet riffs and dull-lyrics. Sorry folks, but if you’re not a fan of this style of music, this album will do little to pull you in. The whole album does have a playlist on Youtube, which the links I’ve provided will most likely lead you to. Maybe check it out and judge for yourself? You’re not missing much, but still, if you’re a neo-metal fan, you will most likely enjoy “Restoring Force.”