Defy
Of Mice & Men · 2018
45 min · 12 tracks · alternative metal
A relentless fusion of metalcore energy and introspective lyrics wrapped in aggressive instrumentation and melodic hooks.
Top tracks — play these first
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Defy Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with an anthemic chorus that encapsulates themes of perseverance and self-empowerment, making it a rallying cry for listeners.
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Instincts — This track features a dynamic interplay between heavy riffs and melodic sections, highlighting the band's signature sound while exploring internal struggles, making it relatable to many fans.
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Unbreakable — With its empowering message and soaring vocals, this song stands out as a declaration of resilience that resonates deeply with listeners facing challenges.
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Warzone — The energetic instrumentation combined with raw emotional delivery makes this track a quintessential example of Of Mice & Men's ability to fuse aggression with introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive energy with introspective lyrics, but lacks strong cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy title track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
- Several songs feature alternating vocal styles between clean singing and harsh screams, creating dynamic contrasts throughout the record.
- The last three tracks exhibit a noticeable drop in tempo, allowing for more introspective moments that diverge from the aggressive instrumentation found earlier.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 resilience
- anthemic choruses for empowerment
- uplifting themes of defiance
- focused listening in order
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- dislike consistent pacing
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — 'Defy' represents a significant evolution in sound and lyrical depth for the band.
- Career context
- Released on January 19, 2018, 'Defy' marked Of Mice & Men's sixth studio album and their first since the departure of bassist and founding member, Aaron Pauley. The album was a critical step in redefining their sound while maintaining their core identity, showcasing a blend of aggression and vulnerability.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Parkway Drive· Architects· August Burns Red
Tracklist
- 1 Defy Start here 3:41
- 2 Instincts 4:20
- 3 Back to Me 3:18
- 4 Sunflower 3:40
- 5 Unbreakable 4:09
- 6 Vertigo 4:14
- 7 Money 3:55
- 8 How Will You Live 3:41
- 9 On the Inside 3:14
- 10 Warzone 3:13
- 11 Forever YDG'n 3:55
- 12 If We Were Ghosts 4:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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