I grew up listening to these metalcore legends. My cousin showed me Miss May I’s (MMI) debut album, Apologies Are For The Weak (2009), and immediately, I was hooked. They’ve always been one of my favorite bands — even to this day.

Looking back over the years, I’ve realized that MMI has always been there for me.

I first saw MMI back in 2015 at Warped Tour. I was 16, and this show was a pivotal moment in my love for metal and transitioning into adulthood. It was the first show I went to alone, and I solely went to see MMI. The last time I saw them was for their 2017 Shadow’s Inside tour. At that time, I had just turned 18, and I would be heading off to college. Today, in 2022, I’m 23, a college graduate, got my own place, and I have my first “official” big girl job. And during this new era of my life, MMI released their 7th studio album, Curse of Existence, on September 2nd, 2022., via SharpTone Records. 

MMI is one of my favorite metalcore bands because they brought brutality while making the heaviness of their music sound beautiful and happy. Although the band has evolved and matured over the years, this foundation is the one thing that’s always stayed constant — especially on Curse of Existence. Musically, it reminds me of Apologies Are For The Weak. I love the placements of skull-crushing riffs, face-beating breakdowns, and tasteful drum licks. Each time I listen to Curse of Existence, I hear something new musically.

I can’t help but smile and be nostalgic when listening to MMI’s new record. It seems like they went back to their roots and wanted to bring back the old-school sound of metalcore while incorporating new-school components. But what really spoke to me was the meaning behind the album. We all know by now how much I enjoy records that have a deeper meaning, and the message behind Curse of Existence is inspiring. When describing the purpose of the LP, Levi Benton (vocalist) had this to say:

“Curse Of Existence is exactly what it reads, the curse we have in our existence. This doesn’t mean anything strictly negative, but it covers all existence, the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, the sorrow and the joy. Everything that comes with life comes with a lesson and a price, which is what we have put into this new album. It tells our lessons over our lives that have shaped us and have brought us to the very bottom of our lowest low and the tallest point to our highest high. We know the reflection we all went through during the world coming to a halt, and that experience brought many of these sheltered emotions to light!”

Negativity surrounds us now more than ever, and it can be easy to dwell on those feelings. But Curse of Existence inspires and encourages listeners to keep pushing forward and find the light at the end of the tunnel. While the music is heavy, each song’s lyrics and overall vibe are positive. MMI are the masters of metalcore because they have the perfect combination to make music that’s not only heavy but conveys lots of emotions. Overall, I really enjoyed this record! 

Favorite song(s): A Smile That Does Not Exist, Bleed Together, and Born Destroyers.

Rating: 9/10!!!

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

P.S. Miss May I are on their Curse of Existence tour right now! You already know I got my ticket. Have you?