November 10, 2009, Throwdown released an album called Deathless. October 14th, 2014, Revocation released an album called Deathless, August 7th, 2015, Miss May I plans to release their fifth album, and they're calling it Deathless. If Miss May I thinks stealing an album name is how they will reach success, their formula is about as boring and recycled as the music on their newest release.
I generally don't enjoy writing negative reviews for two reasons. One is I'm forced to listen to music I don't enjoy so I'm educated about it. Two, I do not enjoy bashing, or spreading negativity about a band, as it takes the fun out of writing. Sometimes it needs to be done for the greater good, a warning to the masses.
From Troy, Ohio, Miss May I formed in 2007 when some of the members were still in high school. It's obvious many of the members still act as if they were young students in their rebellious adolescence. When watching some videos and reading some information on the band, I was surprised they commonly joked about poopy underwear and fart noises. Maybe this is the public image they want to communicate in their interviews because it appeals to their target audience? Being a goof with your friends and having a good time is one thing, but this public display of immature behavior is disappointing.
Their most recent music video "Deathless" was also discouraging. The song "Deathless" is by far the heaviest song on the album. It's also the only song that has distinguishing attributes that set it apart from the rest of the album.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KmJS89v9dw[/youtube]
The concerning message that the band seems to be communicating is that education is a waste of time and holds youth back. It makes sense the band believes this when you watch another new music video called "I.H.E.". This stands for "I hate everyone" or "I hate everything" (the obvious adolescent angst and woes of growing up leaking through).
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkb3lp15ZUA[/youtube]
To spare those who don't want to agonize through another one of their videos, I'll explain. The video is about a boy who is verbally abused (twice in the video) and pushed once. He looks to be 18 or older, and towards the end, pushes back at the abusive man, and burns him alive in a coffin. Sure the boy was assaulted, and there is a call for justice, but for the victim to commit murder is extreme. Its common knowledge that battered woman syndrome is not a defense for murder, so why is Miss May I condoning murder in a video about hating everyone and everything…lack of education or a desire for unjust murder?
If you like gang chants, simple repetitive breakdowns, extremely cheesy lyrics, over produced clean vocals, and stolen riffs from As I Lay Dying, this is the album of the year for you. Most metal lovers are on the lookout for something new, a little different, and creative. If the latter is you, stay away from Deathless (Miss May I) and instead buy Deathless (Revocation).
*If you or a loved one are being abused, for your safety, please call your local social services, or police department.