Of Mice & Men Biography

Of Mice & Men is an American metalcore band formed in 2009, currently consisting of Phil Manasalsa, Valentino Arteaga, Alan Ashby, and Aaron Pauley. The group released 4 studio albums, notably 2014’s Restoring Force, which spawned the popular single You’re Not Alone. The name of the band comes from John Steinbeck’s novel of the same title.

Early Years, Self-titled Album & The Flood 

Austin Carlile, ex Attack Attack!, formed Of Mice & Men along with the bassist Jaxin Hall, in Columbus, Ohio. After gathering two more members, the group covered Lady Gaga’s Poker Face. The recording led to a contract with Rise Records and, to the release of a debut album. Consequently, the band’s eponymous album came out in 2010, peaking at number 115 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Heatseekers Albums. In early 2011, Of Mice & Men headlines the annual Artery Across the Nation Tour. Moreover, they released another album, in the summer of the same year. The Flood reached 28 on the Billboard 200.

Restoring Force & Cold World

In December 2013, the group came out with a third album, Restoring Force. The record turned out to be their most acclaimed, reaching top 5 in the US. Additionally, it topped both the Indie Rock and the Hard Rock Charts. It generated 3 singles, while the deluxe edition, Restoring Force: Full Circle, generated two more. You’re Not Alone, reached number 28 on the Hot Rock Songs chart and number 7 in the UK. Furthermore, Would You Still Be There and Never Giving Up made it into the top 20 of the Mainstream Rock chart. In 2016, Of Mice & Men released their latest album, Cold World, along with its lead single, Pain. Most recently, the band released another single, Unbreakable, in April 2017.

Photo credit: Cuckoo Writers