Of Mice & Men – “Earthandsky” [Album Review]

3, 2, 1, boom! American metalcore quartet Of Mice & Men hold fast to their roots while simultaneously soaring to new heights with their sixth album, Earthandsky. The band has been prominent in the metal scene since their formation in 2009, and their latest record is here to keep you raging. Earthandsky (pre-save/order here) is flooded with killer riffs, ferocious melodies, fiery vocals, and a heaviness that feels fresh yet familiar. I’ve been a fan for years, and this explosive record has me hooked.

The recording kicks off with my personal favourite track, “Gravedancer,” which provides a soft instrumental opening resembling that of a sitar before exploding into heavy melodies that fit perfectly for an opening song. “As We Suffocate” carries the epic momentum, spiralling into “Taste of Regret,” savage and aggressively compelling.

Countdown to insanity; the action-packed “Mushroom Cloud” is another favourite of mine and it’s hard not to scream along to the chorus. “Pieces” will have you head-banging to the grave but “Deceiver” is there to revive you with its killer guitar riffs. Title track “Earth and Sky” is “a song about resilience,” as stated by bassist and vocalist Aaron Pauley. “It’s about understanding that you can rise above whatever it is that keeps trying to drag you down, no matter what.”

“Taste of Regret” is the just-released new single and music video off of Earthandsky:

Kicking off the album’s last third, “The Mountain” carries the adrenaline one would feel while climbing an actual mountain before tumbling headfirst into “Meltdown.” Another highlight for me, “Linger” rips through my chest every time I listen to it, the bridge bursting with passion and sorrow; “We’re lost as a shipwreck, and sadness the sea.”

The band goes out heavy (is there any other way?) with “How To Survive,” declaring “I refuse to be one of the fallen.” The entire recording carries a theme of resilience, showcasing strength through relentless breakdowns and powerful lyrics. Of Mice & Men thrive in this album, fierce in their will to keep pushing forward despite the challenges faced in the universe. Each song feels invincible, and I’m only half-kidding when I say I feel brave enough to conquer a mountain after listening to Earthandsky.

Earthandsky Track Listing:

01. Gravedancer
02. As We Suffocate
03. Taste Of Regret
04. Mushroom Cloud
05. Pieces
06. Deceiver/Deceived
07. Earth & Sky
08. The Mountain
09. Meltdown
10. Linger
11. How To Survive

Run Time: 41:06
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Record Label: Rise Records

Watch the music video for the album’s title track:

Upcoming Tour Dates (w/ With For The Fallen Dreams, Thousand Below, Bloodbather):

09/23 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram
09/24 – San Diego, CA – Soma
09/25 – Flagstaff, AZ – The Green Room
09/27 – Salt Lake City – Complex
09/28 – Denver, CO – Marquis
09/29 – Lawrence, KS – Granada
10/03 – Columbus, OH – Basement
10/05 – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey
10/06 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
10/07 – Montreal, QC – Fairmont Theatre
10/09 – Philadelphia, PA – Volatage Lounge
10/11 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27
10/12 – Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger
10/13 – Manchester, TN – Exit 111 Festival*
10/15 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
10/16 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
10/17 – Dallas, TX – Cub Dada
10/19 – Mesa, AZ – The Underground
*Festival Date