MISS MAY I
At Heart
[Rise Records]
Verdict: 6.5/10
RIYL: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, MEMPHIS MAY FIRE & LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES

Metalcore giants MISS MAY I return with their newest slab of high energy, metal fueled tunes. At Heart is the bands 3rd full length and they have managed to capture the high energy their live shows project. Levi Benton’s vocals aren’t just sounding better, they sound more confident and fuller. The musicianship is as tight as ever and filled with even more ‘metal’ and that ‘bounce’ they have quickly become known for. Going so far as to say the band have matured would be premature, as they surely aren’t done growing as a band. The unfortunate part about At Heart is that, while the songs are good and a few stick out as very memorable, they just aren’t really hitting the mark. At Heart is almost Monument Pt. II. There are few surprises on the albums 13 tracks (well, 12 if you disregard the pointless :48 second intro). Not to say they aren’t still talented and amazing artists, it’s just, with a band of this caliber and promise, they need a strong hand to push them. Piss them off if you will and force them to write a fierce and savage record. With that being said, MISS MAY I still hold the title of NOT falling into the usual metalcore trap of trying to sound like everyone else. They are distinctly MMI. Keep tabs on MISS MAY I and give At Heart a fair chance, the best is yet to come for these boys.                     -by Jon Hole

Recommended listening: ‘Hey Mister’, ‘Sirens Song’ & ‘Road Of The Lost’
Production credits: Production, engineering, mixing and mastering by Machine
Release date: June 12, 2012
In conclusion…MISS MAY I are a future force to be reckoned with. At Heart is a small stepping stone for the band. Already a fan? This is all for you. Never heard them or think you hate them? Give this a fair shot…you might be surprised.

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SECOND OPINION
Verdict: 8.5/10
Miss May I have really done a good job gradually increasing their skills with every passing album. When Apologies Are For The Weak first released, I initially liked it. But if I were to play it now, it sounds so tired and lackluster. However, Monument took the band a step forward, even hinting at some new sound exploration on their Deluxe Edition. While this expansion never does appear on their latest release, At Heart, the record is definitely their most powerful and impressive yet. Everything is tightened, stronger, and more hard hitting. Tracks like “Hey Mister”, “Leech:, “Road of the Lost”, and “Ballad of a Broken Man” will get stuck in your head for days to come. — By Nathaniel Lay