Why OF MICE & MEN are rushing out another record – and why it’s likely to be heavy.
Barely a year since Defy, the Californians are gearing up for another album. Why the rush?
It’s Been less than a year since Of Mice & Men released Defy, their first album since beloved frontman Austin Carlile stepped away from the band to focus on his health. But already the metallers are back in the studio recording its follow-up. We spoke to drummer Tino Arteaga to find out why they’ve got back in the saddle so quickly.
so you guys are back in the studio already – that was fast!
“I think in a traditional sense, people might be used to bands taking a long time to make records. We’ve always been a band that’s very prolific. We felt pretty inspired coming home from the Defy tour and we just started writing. We had some time off and we felt that we needed to get in the studio and make some music. As musicians we feel it’s important to continually write music. It’s what we do to have fun and how we make sense of our lives.”
so what’s inspiring the music this time?
“Man, I cannot dive too far into that. But with Of Mice & Men, it’s always a very honest and introspective look at what we go through in our personal life and how we make sense of the world with themes of life death and everything in between. While the term ‘album’ gets put on a collection of songs, it’s not at that point yet. We’re still sculpting where we want to take it.”
Defy was very energetic and anthemic. Will this album have a similar vibe? “Whereas Defy had those anthemic songs, what we’ll be working on next is focusing more down those exciting and heavier paths. We’re working with producer Josh Wilbur and he’s done records with Trivium, Lamb Of God and Gojira. So the coach on the new material understands sick metal, has passion and he knows how to bring out the heaviest with the artists he works with. We had a bunch of time blocked out while we were home around the holidays. We’re going in and seeing what excites us and what makes Josh start a moshpit in the studio.”
so we’re looking at a record that’s much heavier than Defy…
“Yes. Of Mice & Men have always had that Of Mice & Men sound, and I think Josh is helping us take that to level 11 and 12.”
Defy was your first statement after Austin left the band. now you’re deeper into your second chapter do you feel less pressure?
“Every album has its own pressures and we try not to focus on that because the music will speak for itself. We’re a band that’s put out a wide scope of music and as our band continues to grow, it’s important for us to hone in on the excitement of our music and our fans can definitely expect that. We’ve proved that many times throughout our career… ‘the best laid plans of mice and men can often go awry!’”
When will we hear new music? “Expect new music, new music videos, new tours, new everything soon. We’re even working on some cool ideas of involving some other organisations, too. 2019 is going to be a big year of music from Of Mice And Men.” THE NEW OF MICE & MEN ALBUM WILL LAND LATER THIS YEAR VIA RISE