Restoring Force

Released in early 2014, Restoring Force represents a significant stylistic shift for Of Mice & Men, moving away from the pure metalcore of 'The Flood' toward a sound heavily indebted to late-90s alternative metal and nu-metal. This shift was largely facilitated by producer David Bendeth, who pushed the band toward more structured, hook-oriented songwriting. It is the first album to feature Aaron Pauley (formerly of Jamie's Elsewhere), whose clean vocals became a defining characteristic of the band's new identity. The album was a commercial breakthrough, debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 and solidifying the band as leaders of a new wave of heavy music that crossed over into the mainstream. Critically, it was noted for its 'bolder moves' and its ability to balance the 'brutality' of tracks like 'Public Service Announcement' with the 'melodic side' seen in 'Space Enough to Grow'. It remains the band's most commercially successful and arguably most influential release.