Restoring Force (album)

Restoring Force is the third studio album by American rock band Of Mice & Men. This is the band's first album to feature bassist and clean vocalist Aaron Pauley. It was released on January 24, 2014 in Europe and Australia, January 27, 2014 in Japan and the UK and January 28, 2014 in the US through Rise Records.[9] It was produced by David Bendeth. A deluxe edition of the album, titled Restoring Force: Full Circle, was released on February 20, 2015. It featured four bonus tracks, including an acoustic version of "Feels Like Forever".[10]

Restoring Force
Studio album by
Of Mice & Men
ReleasedJanuary 24, 2014
StudioHouse of Loud, Elmwood Park, New Jersey[1]
Genre
Length38:37
LabelRise
ProducerDavid Bendeth
Of Mice & Men chronology
The Flood
(2011)		 Restoring Force
(2014)		 Live at Brixton
(2016)
Singles from Restoring Force
  1. "You're Not Alone"
    Released: December 2, 2013[4]
  2. "Bones Exposed"
    Released: December 23, 2013[5]
  3. "Would You Still Be There"
    Released: May 15, 2014
  4. "Feels Like Forever"
    Released: October 23, 2014
  5. "Broken Generation"
    Released: February 5, 2015[6]
  6. "Never Giving Up"
    Released: February 21, 2015[7][8]
Restoring Force: Full Circle
Artwork used for the deluxe reissue album cover.

Background and recording

The album was announced through numerous publications in late November 2013. The album was produced by David Bendeth.[11] The album's official track listing was revealed alongside the album's announcement.[12][13] The album itself was completed in October 2013.[14]

"You're Not Alone" was the first song to be released from the album, premiering on December 1, 2013[15] followed by "Bones Exposed" which premiered on December 23, 2013.[16] While "Bones Exposed" is technically the second single from the album, it did not receive an official release. "Would You Still Be There" and "Feels Like Forever" were the second and third singles from the album, released in May and October 2014 respectively, and the deluxe edition featured two of the three new tracks as singles, released in February: "Broken Generation" in the UK, and "Never Giving Up" elsewhere.

Composition

Influences, style and themes

In an interview with Alternative Press, lead singer Austin Carlile stated that the overall sound of this album would be "more rock, or I guess a nu-metal sound you could say" and explained that their music would become a lot more structured, comparing it to bands such as Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot and Chevelle. He went on to say that "I kind of wanted to touch on that and have our songs to have more of a rock and roll feel. Just in your face, angsty, here-it-is rock and roll."[17]

On October 14, 2013, Rock Sound released an interview with Austin Carlile where he discussed the album. Carlile stated that the album will have a larger focus on the lyrics and the melodic aspects, like a "...fusion between Meshuggah and Nickelback". He also spoke about the vocals on the new album explaining that "...it's a whole new step in the evolution of my vocals. There's a really cool contrast between my voice and Aaron's voice, and I think we've made great use of that."[18]

On October 17, 2013, Alternative Press released the first studio video and announced the completion of the band's third album. The band also posted this statement about the album; "Over the past few months, we've been in the studio writing & recording our third full length album with producer David Bendeth. We are excited to announce that after the most in-depth recording process we have ever experienced, the album has been completed & we can't WAIT for you to hear it! This is our most ambitious release to date & will be the first album with our newest member, Aaron Pauley. The dynamics in the band have never been stronger & we are so proud of the music we have created together. Keep your ears open for new music coming soon!."[19]

The name "Restoring Force" is a reference to their last album The Flood. Frontman Austin Carlile explained "What happens after a disaster? What happens after 'The Flood'? You return to normal. You find balance again. That's what we felt like we were doing with this album. We wanted this record to bring equilibrium back to our band and music. We're letting everyone know what we're here to stay. We're 'Restoring Force'."[20] The cover of the album, a sea shell, is a visual representation of the return to equilibrium. In an interview for Big Cheese magazine, drummer Valentino Arteaga explains "One of the main symbolic reasons for having the shell [on the artwork] came from the idea of the Restoring Force helping regain the balance in a human. The Cochlea, or inner ear, is the place where your equilibrium is maintained, and it is shaped like a shell."[21]

The single "You're Not Alone" was given a similarity to Deftones by Artistdirect, praising its energy and the coordination between vocalists Austin Carlile and new singer Aaron Pauley, along with the riffs of the song "...striking an elegant balance between crashing heavy metal and careening hard rock."[22]

Release and promotion

The album was released on January 28, 2014 through Rise Records. After the album's release, the band embarked on a two-month tour with Bring Me the Horizon.[23] The band also headlined in the UK in April 2014 with supporting bands Issues and Beartooth.[24] Before its official release, the album was made available to stream online for fans to listen to on January 21, 2014.[25]

Despite the album being completed in October 2013, it was chosen to be officially released in January 2014. In an interview with Austin Carlile, he stated that the reason for this was because "It's a good way to start the year and it gives us the whole year to really push on and tour, it'll be great feeling like we have the whole year ahead of us."[26] The album was also promoted through a "bundle pack", where you can get the album along with other franchise, including a limited edition of a coloured LPs, making this the first album by the band to be released on vinyl disk.[27]

In late 2014, it was announced that they would release a deluxe edition of the album called Restoring Force: Full Circle which would include three brand new songs along with an acoustic version of "Feels Like Forever".[28]

Critical reception
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AbsolutePunk80%[29]
Alternative Press[30]
Kerrang![31]
Loudwire[32]
Metal Hammer8/10[33]
Rock Sound8/10[34]

Restoring Force received mostly positive reviews from critics, who complimented the different sound of the album. At Alternative Press, Phil Freeman rated the album four stars out of five, and noted that sometimes the album feels like a departure from its predecessor, but stated "if the bolder moves on Restoring Force turn out to be signs of the band's musical future, it could have an impact across the scene."[30] Loudwire's Chad Childers stated that Pauleys vocals complimented Carliles screams throughout the album, and also praised the decision to have David Bendeth as their producer as he challenged the band to re-evaluate their writing process. He went on to applaud the album's range of moods and sounds, going from the brutality of the 'Public Service Announcement' to the melodic side of the band of 'Space Enough to Grow'.[32]

Several reviews have stated that the band's new direction, much like their statement, had gone towards a more nu metal approach.[35][36][34][29] Rock Sound reviewer Andy Ritchie stated that album sounds as though it is a completely different band compared to their previous releases, however will divide their fanbase. The review went on to claim that the album's roots are "firmly embedded in turn-of-the-century nu metal," but later went on to say that it still contains some of the band's "textbook metalcore," and that it was a unique sound either way.[34] AbsolutePunk also highly praised the band's new style, since their previous albums had been efforts to be "ninety percent of today's average band trying to make it the metalcore/post-hardcore/risecore scene." Furthermore, they were surprised that Carlile had changed his screams to a more nu metal style from his previous metalcore style, but again praised this highly.[29]

The album was included at number 31 on Rock Sound's "Top 50 Albums of the Year" list.[37] The album was included at number 32 on Kerrang!'s "The Top 50 Rock Albums Of 2014" list.[38]

Commercial performance

Restoring Force was predicted to have sold between 45,000 and 55,000 copies in its first week.[39] It would end up selling 51,000 copies in its first week, debuting at number four on the US Billboard 200.[40] The album is the band's highest charting album, peaking at number one for the first time on the Independent Albums and Hard Rock album charts.[41] It has sold 207,000 copies in the United States as of August 2016.[42]

The album is also the band's first album to have charted on the UK Rock Chart, peaking at number 17,[43] and also in the Australian Albums Chart, peaking at number 9.[44]

Track listing

All tracks written by Austin Carlile, Alan Ashby and Aaron Pauley.[45]

No.TitleLength
1."Public Service Announcement"3:32
2."Feels Like Forever"3:13
3."Bones Exposed"4:15
4."Would You Still Be There"3:12
5."Glass Hearts"3:15
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
Total length:38:37
Restoring Force: Full Circle bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
12."Broken Generation"3:41
13."Something to Hide"3:30
14."Never Giving Up"3:39
15."Feels Like Forever" (acoustic version)3:11

Personnel

Charts

Weekly charts
Chart (2014) Peak
position
Top Canadian Albums (Billboard)[47] 9
US Billboard 200[41] 4
US Rock Albums[41] 2
US Independent Albums[41] 1
US Hard Rock Albums[41] 1
UK Albums Chart[48] 17
UK Rock Chart[43] 2
Australian Albums Chart[44] 9
New Zealand Albums Chart[44] 36

Year-end charts
Chart (2014) Position
US Billboard Rock Albums[49] 47
US Billboard Hard Rock Albums[50] 11
US Billboard Independent Albums[51] 17
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References
Citations
  1. "Of Mice & Men's 'Restoring Force' Cracks U.S. Top 5". Blabber Mouth.
  2. "Review: Of Mice & Men - Restoring Force". The Monolith. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  3. Perletti, David. "Of Mice & Men 'Restoring Force: Full Circle'". Salad Days Magazine (in Italian). Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  4. "Of Mice & Men: You're Not Alone - Single - Music on Google Play". google.com.
  5. "Of Mice & Men Announce New Single: Bones Exposed". Instagram. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
  6. "Of Mice & Men — UK/EU are you ready?! Get your tickets today!..." Of Mice & Men. Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  7. "Stream a new Of Mice & Men song, "Never Giving Up"". Alternative Press.
  8. "Of Mice & Men Release New Single, "Never Giving Up"". Under the Gun Review. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015.
  9. "Of Mice And Men announce Restoring Force release date". Alternative Press. November 27, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  10. "iTunes - Music - Restoring Force: Full Circle by Of Mice & Men". Apple. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  11. "Of Mice & Men to Release 'Restoring Force' in January". Punknews.org. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  12. "Of Mice & Men: 'Restoring Force' Tracklisting Revealed". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  13. "Of Mice & Men's 'Restoring Force' Tracklisting Now Online". Rock Sound. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  14. "Of Mice & Men completes new album". Lambgoat. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  15. "Of Mice & Men Stream New Single "You're Not Alone"". Music Feeds. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  16. "Of Mice & Men premiere new song, "Bones Exposed"". Alternative Press. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  17. "Interview: Austin Carlile on Of Mice & Men's "more structured" third album" (Interview). Alternative Press. 2 April 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2013. I think our newer stuff is a lot more structured...
  18. "It's our time to step out into the real world". Rocksound. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  19. Kraus, Brian. "Of Mice & Men finish their new album, post first studio update". AltPress. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  20. Chad Childers (24 December 2013). "OF MICE & MEN UNLEASH NEW SONG 'BONES EXPOSED'". Loudwire. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  21. "Of Mice & Men - In Their Words". Big Cheese Magazine Issue 163. January 2014.
  22. Rick Florino (2 December 2013). ""You're Not Alone" Song Review - 5 out of 5 stars" (Review). Artistdirect. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  23. "Of Mice & Men Announce New Album: 'Restoring Force' Due Jan. 28". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  24. "Of Mice & Men announce new album, Restoring Force, and UK tour in 2014" (News post). Kerrang!. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013. Aaaaand here are the band's April UK tour dates with Issues and Beartooth...
  25. "Of Mice & Men stream new album, 'Restoring Force'". AltPress. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  26. Tom. "Of Mice & Men open up about their new album Restoring Force". HMV. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  27. "OF MICE & MEN: Entire 'Restoring Force' Album Available For Streaming". BlabberMouth. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  28. Childers, Chad. "Of Mice & Men Reveal Plans for Deluxe 'Restoring Force: Full Circle' Release". Loudwire. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  29. Montgomery, Clint. "Of Mice & Men - Restoring Force". AbsolutePunk. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  30. Freeman, Phil (2014). "Of Mice & Men – Restoring Force". Alternative Press. February 2014 (307): 89. ISSN 1065-1667. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  31. Mclaughlin, David (22 January 2014). "Of Mice & Men - Restoring Force". Kerrang!.
  32. Childers, Chad. "Of Mice & Men, 'Restoring Force' – Album Review Read More: Of Mice & Men, 'Restoring Force' - Album Review". Loudwire. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
  33. Hill, Stephen (1 January 2014). "Of Mice & Men Restoring Force". Metal Hammer.
  34. Ritchie, Andy (3 January 2014). "Of Mice & Men - Restoring Force review". Rocksound Magazine (183). Retrieved 19 January 2014. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  35. "iTunes - Music - Restoring Force: Full Circle by Of Mice & Men". iTunes. Retrieved August 6, 2015. "But overall, singer Austin Carlile (ex–Attack Attack!) and the boys are on a thrashy mission to modernize the forbidding resolve of old-school nu-metal." - Editor
  36. Guido, Emma (February 7, 2014). "OF MICE & MEN – RESTORING FORCE (ALBUM REVIEW)". Cryptic Rock. Retrieved November 24, 2014. Straying away from the "scene band" label, Of Mice & Men demonstrate their growth and versatility on this album with their range of nu metal influences and hard rock vibes.
  37. Bird, ed. 2015, p. 24
  38. Emily (March 18, 2015). "The Top 50 Rock Albums Of 2014". Kerrang!. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  39. "OF MICE & MEN's 'Restoring Force' Projected To Sell 45K-55K First Week". Blabber Mouth. 29 January 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2014. ...is likely to sell between 45,000 and 55,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release...
  40. Crane, Matt (5 February 2014). "Of Mice & Men's 'Restoring Force' debuts at No. 4, sells 51,000 copies". AltPress. Retrieved 5 February 2014. he band's album landed at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 51,000 copies its first week.
  41. "Of Mice & Men - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  42. "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on August 29, 2016.
  43. "2014 Top 40 Rock & Metal Albums Archive 8th February 2014". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  44. "Discography Of Mice & Men". Australian-Charts. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  45. "Of Mice & Men Unveil New Album Details, Booked For UK/European Tour With Issues & Beartooth". Theprp. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  46. "Credits of album". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  47. "Of Mice & Men - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
  48. "Restoring Force". acharts.us.
  49. "2014 Year End Charts - Top Rock Albums". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  50. "2014 Year End Charts - Hard Rock Albums". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  51. "2014 Year End Charts - Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
Sources
  • Bird, Ryan, ed. (January 2015). "Top 50 Albums of the Year". Rock Sound. London: Freeway Press Inc. (195). ISSN 1465-0185.
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