Curse of Existence

Curse of Existence
Studio album by
Miss May I
ReleasedSeptember 2, 2022 (2022-09-02)
GenreMetalcore
Length37:25
LabelSharpTone
ProducerWill Putney
Miss May I chronology
Shadows Inside
(2017) 		Curse of Existence
(2022)
Singles from Curse of Existence
  1. "Unconquered"
    Released: March 9, 2022[1]
  2. "Bleed Together"
    Released: May 25, 2022[2]
  3. "Earth Shaker"
    Released: June 29, 2022[3]
  4. "Free Fall"
    Released: August 10, 2022[4]

Curse of Existence is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Miss May I. It was released on September 2, 2022, through SharpTone Records. It is the band's last album by the band to feature guitarists, B.J. Stead and Justin Aufdemkampe who left the band on 31 May 2024 [5] It was produced by Will Putney.[6][7]

Background and recording

On October 6, 2020, Miss May I announced that they are working on new material for the forthcoming album.[8] March 30, 2021, the band have concluded the recording sessions for their new album.[9] On May 24, 2022, they revealed the album itself, the album cover, the track list, and release date.[10]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Distorted Sound8/10[11]
Rock 'N' Load9/10[12]
Wall of Sound8/10[13]

The album received positive reviews from critics. Katie Bird of Distorted Sound scored the album 8 out of 10 and said: "Despite falling into the trappings of a slightly cliché ending, Miss May I have proved that the wait is worth it. They have improved upon their sound by delightfully mixing deathcore, melodic and clean vocals to make a unique take on the metalcore sound. This band have shown that they always have a new trick up their sleeve, and can still surprise fans to this day. This album was five years in the making, and it shows that Miss May I can still be unique in a genre that sometimes grows stale. Curse of Existence is one of the most interesting metalcore albums this year, and whilst it won't please everyone, it will be a great album for both newcomers and fans of the band."[11]

Rock 'N' Load praised the album saying, "Curse of Existence is ten songs full of emotion and intensity, a solid offering from Miss May I. This is their second album released on Sharptone Records and they've outdone themselves with this one; completely worth the wait."[12] Wall of Sound gave the album a score 8/10 and saying: "So have Miss May I returned to Monument form with Curse of Existence? I think it is as close as they have been. The boys have got a bit more aggressive overall, the guitar riffage is a bit more furious, the chorus' are huge, and there is no shortage of gigantic breakdowns. The band certainly ain't breaking any new barriers but I think they've taken everything they've learnt over the years and put it together to create one hell of a modern metalcore album. I'll be spinning this one for a while!"[13]

Track listing

Adapted from Apple Music.[14]

No.TitleLength
1."A Smile That Does Not Exist"3:32
2."Earth Shaker"3:23
3."Bleed Together"4:30
4."Into Oblivion"4:15
5."Hollow Vessel"4:10
6."Free Fall"3:18
7."Born Destroyers"3:56
8."Unconquered"3:35
9."Savior of Self"3:10
10."Bloodshed"3:32
Total length:37:25

Personnel

Credits adapted from Discogs.[15]

Miss May I

  • Levi Benton – unclean vocals
  • Ryan Neff – bass guitar, clean vocals
  • B.J. Stead – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Justin Aufdemkampe – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, additional production
  • Jerod Boyd – drums, percussion

Additional personnel

  • Will Putney – production, engineering, mixing, mastering
  • Nick Sampson – additional production, additional engineering
  • Ben Johnson – additional production
  • Steve Seid – additional engineering
  • Jackie Andersen and Shawn Keith – A&R
  • Jim Hughes – artwork, layout

References

  1. ^ "Miss May I Premiere "Unconquered" Music Video". ThePRP. March 9, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  2. ^ "Miss May I Premiere "Bleed Together" Music Video". ThePRP. May 25, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  3. ^ "Miss May I Debut New Track "Earth Shaker"". ThePRP. June 29, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  4. ^ "Miss May I Premiere "Free Fall" Video". ThePRP. August 10, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  5. ^ "Miss May I Announce The Departures of Guitarists B.J. Stead and Justin Aufdemkampe". LambGoat. May 31, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  6. ^ "Miss May I To Release New Album "Curse Of Existence" In September". ThePRP. May 24, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  7. ^ "Miss May I announce new album 'Curse of Existence'". Lambgoat. May 24, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  8. ^ "Miss May I Recording New Album". ThePRP. October 6, 2020. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  9. ^ "Miss May I Finish Recording New Album". ThePRP. March 30, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  10. ^ "Miss May I Unleash The Beast in 'Bleed Together' from New Album "Curse of Existence"". Wall of Sound. May 25, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Bird, Katie (August 31, 2022). "ALBUM REVIEW: Curse Of Existence – Miss May I". Distorted Sound Mag. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  12. ^ a b "Miss May I // Curse of Existence // Album Review". Rock 'N' Load. September 2, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Santoro, Anthony (August 28, 2022). "Miss May I – Curse Of Existence (Album Review)". Wall of Sound. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  14. ^ "Curse of Existence by Miss May I". Apple Music. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  15. ^ "Miss May I Curse of Existence - Credits". Discogs. Retrieved January 11, 2023.