Of Mice & Men

Formed in 2009 in Costa Mesa, California, Of Mice & Men are part of the American metalcore scene, blending post-hardcore, alternative metal and nu-metal influences. The band was founded by vocalist Austin Carlile and bassist Jaxin Hall and quickly coalesced around a core that also included guitarists Alan Ashby and Phil Manansala and drummer Valentino Arteaga. Their self-titled debut was released in 2010, followed by The Flood in 2011, which established Of Mice & Men on intensive touring circuits from club shows to major rock and metal festivals across Europe and North America. With Restoring Force (2014) and Cold World (2016) the band emphasized contrasts between heavy riffs, staccato rhythms, screamed vocals and more accessible melodic passages. Austin Carlile’s departure at the end of 2016 led Aaron Pauley—originally the bassist and melodic singer—to take over all vocal duties on Defy (2018) and Earthandsky (2019), marking a shift toward a denser, darker sound. The band continued with Echo (2021), born from a series of EPs, and Tether (2023), where they refined a style alternating metalcore aggression, sung choruses and atmospheric touches, while remaining active on international rock and metal stages.