Released 10 years ago
Cold World
Of Mice & Men · 2016
43 min · 13 tracks · alternative metal
A blend of aggressive riffs and melodic hooks, exploring themes of despair and resilience within a modern metal framework.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Game of War Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Real — This track encapsulates the album's central theme of authenticity amidst self-doubt, featuring an infectious chorus that highlights both vulnerability and strength.
-
→
Pain — Driven by heavy instrumentation, this song deals directly with inner turmoil and the struggle for acceptance, making it a powerful anthem for listeners facing their own battles.
-
→
The Hunger — With its relentless energy and introspective lyrics, this track serves as a rallying cry against complacency and stagnation, embodying the spirit of perseverance prevalent throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends aggressive and melodic elements but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and driving percussion.
- Several songs incorporate melodic choruses that contrast with the heavier verses, creating dynamic shifts within individual tracks.
- The album's final three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for more introspective moments and emotional weight.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo emotional release
- raw energy for workout sessions
- aggressive sound for cathartic moments
- melodic refrains for reflective moods
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek light-hearted listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Represents a solid entry in their catalog, but not widely recognized as a standout.
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2016, 'Cold World' marks Of Mice & Men's third studio album, following their self-titled release in 2014. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity after the departure of founding member Austin Carlile, navigating a period of transition while maintaining their signature metalcore sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Parkway Drive· Architects· August Burns Red
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Real
The narrator confronts their fears and insecurities directly, challenging societal expectations of success and worth.
This moment highlights a crucial shift from external validation to self-acceptance, marking a turning point in both the narrative of the song and in the album's overarching message.
Tracklist
- 1 Game of War Start here 4:00
- 2 The Lie 3:24
- 3 Real 3:12
- 4 Like a Ghost 4:47
- 5 Contagious 3:12
- 6 - 1:10
- 7 Pain 3:43
- 8 The Hunger 4:02
- 9 Relentless 3:26
- 10 Down the Road 3:22
- 11 + 1:24
- 12 Away 3:53
- 13 Transfigured 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.