Restoring Force
Of Mice & Men · 2014
38 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal
A powerful blend of melodic hooks and aggressive instrumentation that captures a balance between vulnerability and ferocity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Public Service Announcement Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Feels Like Forever — This track showcases the album's thematic focus on perseverance through pain, featuring anthemic choruses that resonate deeply with listeners. The blend of melodic verses and heavy breakdowns exemplifies the band's signature sound.
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Bones Exposed — This song stands out for its raw intensity and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of personal struggle and resilience. The juxtaposition of harsh vocals with soaring melodies captures the album's emotional core.
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You're Not Alone — As one of the most emotionally charged tracks, it delivers a message of solidarity and support during tough times. The heartfelt delivery paired with uplifting instrumentals encapsulates the band's ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances aggressive and melodic elements but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a thematic tone, followed by a shift into high-energy instrumentals in the first two tracks.
- Several tracks feature contrasting dynamics, alternating between melodic choruses and aggressive verses, particularly evident in 'Feels Like Forever' and 'You Make Me Sick'.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that diverges from the earlier intensity.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
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 anthems
- melodic hooks for sing-alongs
- uplifting messages in every track
- focused listening for personal reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer long, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Marked the band's highest chart position and wider recognition.
- Career context
- Restoring Force is Of Mice & Men's third studio album, released after their self-titled record in 2013. This release marked a significant moment for the band as they navigated lineup changes, including the departure of founding member and vocalist Austin Carlile. It was a pivotal step in establishing their sound, blending metalcore with more mainstream rock elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Parkway Drive· Architects· August Burns Red
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You’re Not Alone
The narrator directly addresses feelings of isolation and despair while emphasizing support from others.
This choice creates a sense of intimacy and community, effectively breaking down barriers often felt in times of hardship.
Tracklist
- 1 Public Service Announcement Start here 3:32
- 2 Feels Like Forever 3:13
- 3 Bones Exposed 4:15
- 4 Would You Still Be There 3:12
- 5 Glass Hearts 3:14
- 6 Another You 3:45
- 7 Break Free 3:29
- 8 You Make Me Sick 3:21
- 9 Identity Disorder 3:37
- 10 You’re Not Alone 3:21
- 11 Space Enough to Grow 3:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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