Angst-ridden Californian band, Of Mice & Men recently released their third studio album, “Restoring Force,” via Rise Records. Among lineup changes and adversities, including the lead singer getting arrested, Of Mice & Men still managed to create their best album yet. Formed in 2009 by former frontman of Attack Attack! Austin Carlile and Jaxin Hall, Of Mice & Men, consisting of Phil Manansala, Valentino Arteaga, Austin Carlile, Alan Ashby, and Aaron Paul, have released three albums so far: “Of Mice & Men” (2010), “The Flood” (2011), and “Restoring Force” (2014).

“Restoring Force” was Of Mice & Men’s first album with producer David Bendenth, after their last two albums with Joey Sturgis. Bendeth encouraged the band to leave their comfort zone and try something different.

The album started off with the song “Public Service Announcement.” This song is filled with aggression and rage. With lyrics full of resent, like “Gonna say this clear so you can get it straight/You don’t know a thing about me” and “You all have something you want to take from me/I can’t hold my tongue anymore/Shut up,” and heavy guitar, rumors that Of Mice & Men were moving out of the metalcore scene were quickly dispelled.

However, with songs like “You’re Not Alone” and “Space Enough to Grow” Of Mice & Men brought out a softer side of  their album, incorporating some nu metal into their previously metalcore sound and showcased the talents of Aaron Pauley, the new bassist and vocalist, who has been with the band since the summer of 2012, after the departure of Shayley Bourget, the former bassist and vocalist. Pauley shows his impressive vocal range in “You’re Not Alone,” Of Mice & Men’s first charting single, flawlessly accompanying Carlile’s screams.

Some older fans may question Of Mice & Men’s softer melodies and compare them to bands like Slipknot. However, “Bones Exposed” is sure to grab the attention of both newer and older fans, incorporating both metalcore and nu metal sounds.

Some fans are worried that Of Mice & Men are straying too far from their previous sound or even selling out, but Of Mice & Men is just starting a new era. They’re taking a great genre of music and adding their signature to it. Of Mice and Men subtly slips nu metal essences into their songs, adding both an interesting dimension and a new perspective to their music.

All in all, “Restoring Force” is Of Mice & Men’s most mature album, and is sure to be one of their most successful. The diversity of this album is a welcome surprise and brings new excitement to their album, while still staying true to their roots.