Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Of Mice & Men - Earth & Sky (2019)

Just when we thought Of Mice & Men would go further down the alt-metal rabbit hole, they launch back into their metalcore roots! The heaviness of The Flood is back in true form, and they're never giving it up too easily. Conveniently, Earthandsky came out in 2019, exactly 10 years since the band first formed, so it's an excellent way to celebrate that milestone and see how far they've come.

The earlier fans who thought the band couldn't relive their past glory without Austin Carlile would be blown away. Earthandsky came out just over a year and a half after their first album with Carlile, Defy. And they can prove themselves to reign in heaviness even without their most well-praised member.

An eerie violin intro begins "Gravedancer" before leading into fast riffing and perhaps the closest the band has gone to prog-metal. Not too long after, "As We Suffocate" has more of the riffing energy and Aaron Pauley's vocal range you already know well. "Taste of Regret" greatly exemplifies what the band is going for, the melodic choruses and heavy breakdowns of metalcore. "Mushroom Cloud" has the f***ing heaviest breakdown of the album, probably by the band. Definitely worth it in a live show!

"Pieces" continues the breakdown intensity while balancing it all out with melody and emotion in the chorus. Then "Deceiver/Deceived" has more of the fast heaviness while having melodic verses and excellent soloing. The title track has true power in the chorus. With that and its heavy verses, it's the ultimate standout of the album!

"The Mountain" experiments more with the vocals similarly to Beartooth. Though we have the signature climatic breakdown there. "Meltdown" is a heavy anthem while suitable enough for the radio. While the other songs in the album are heavier, the breakdowns are still around, balanced out with the melody for more energy. "Linger" continues the heavy/melodic blend with different vibes. The final anthem "How to Survive" has fast energy, motivational lyrics, and epic soloing. So much f***ing fire!

Earthandsky shows the band making a blast to the past for a heavier present. Melodic metalcore has been done just right with enjoyable vocals and breakdowns. Both the earlier and newer fans can get a great kick out of this album that is an amazing representation for the band of what they are!

Favorites: "Gravedancer", "Taste of Regret", "Mushroom Cloud", "Earth & Sky", "The Mountain", "How to Survive"