For a year or two I’m at least suspicious if not directly sick only when I hear of “indie” or “alternative” labels, this year I got myself a new syndrome, I get sick when I hear of “metalcore”. Too many faceless bands does the same kind of shit and it becomes pretty boring. Fortunately there are always few exception, and talking bout metalcore, Of Mice and Men are still manage to put on the table exciting materials.
The band was formed by Austin Carlile – original vocalist of Attack Attack! – and bassist Jaxin Hall during mid-2009 after Carlile’s departure from his former band. After reaching 1,000,000 plays from their Myspace profile in just two months since its launch, the band uploaded a cover of Lady Gaga’s song, “Poker Face” and a copy of the demo was sent directly to Rise Records.
The band released their self-titled debut album in March 2010. On “The Emptiness Tour” in 2010 Carlile fell in to a conflict with the other members and the band and Carlile decided to part ways. The group thereafter invited Jerry Roush – vocalist for Sky Eats Airplane and American Me – to front Of Mice & Men. But after nine months the group confirmed in January 2011 that they reached a decision to have Jerry Roush leave Of Mice & Men in favor for former vocalist and founding member, Austin Carlile to return to the group.
The current line up consist of: Valentino Arteaga – drums, Alan Ashby – rhythm guitar, Shayley Bourget – bass guitar (since 2011 after he switched from rhythm guitar) and clean vocals, Austin Carlile – lead vocals and Phil Manansala – lead guitar.
Released on June 14, 2011, through Rise Records consist of 12 new, powerful songs, intense and colorful blending of Pantera like riffs, smooth breaks, the dialogue of clean and growling vocals. What make the differece between Of Mice and Men and most of the other metalcore acts is the fact that they managed to write intense, inspired and catchy songs, they have the skill and abilities to express them self and not only recycling the well-knowned schemes and cliches. Shayley Bourget have a melodic, powerful voice, sometimes reminds me of the 1989-1991 era Mike Patton.
“The Flood” is heavy and absolutely convincing. It’s noisy, but cutting, it’s heavy but melodious enough, I love it.
Of Mice and Men @ MySpace
Of Mice and Men @ Facebook
Rise Records
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f9lK3_dEG4&w=500&h=305]
