Album Review: MISS MAY I – Curse Of Existence: A Balance Between Harmony And Heavy.

MISS MAY I is back with another album, Curse Of Existence. This album marks the follow up to their 2017 Shadows Inside, and it is certainly a strong follow up. The first track off of Curse Of Existence is the ambient-turned-heavy harmony oriented track “Unconquered”. This track sets the tone for what the rest of the album will follow. For a brief second it takes you to an atmospheric setting then comes down with some heavy drums and guitar.

Following up to “Unconquered” is “Earth Shaker” and much like its title, if you play this song loud enough, it just may shake the Earth. The third single off the album features Levi Benton’s vocals here as they hit many octaves in the higher spectrum throughout the song, while building on the momentum of a catchy chorus that is sang by bassist Ryan Neff.

Next up is “Bleed together”. This song is a heavy hitter, and midway through the song you get the gnarliest breakdown. I’m sure if MISS MAY I was to play this song, they’d get the crowd going without hesitation. Tons of riffage and China-smash cymbal hits on this track. It certainly slaps.

The intro guitar riff for “Into Oblivion” reminds me of a modern Iron Maiden take of their song “Wasted Years”. Catchy guitar leads followed up by some gnarly screams, then into more chunky fast riffs.

“Hollow Vessel” features some great double bass drums along with more chunky riffs and fast melodies. The chorus like the occurring theme of this album is catchy and gets you hooked from the start.

“Free Fall” is in my top 3 songs from this album overall, the lead guitar melodies behind the rhythm guitar parts are subtle however they still catch your attention as the song progresses. Melodic yet still grasping at the same time.

“Destroyers” “”A Smile That Does Not Exist” and “Savior of Self” all have some heavy riffage that would get a circle pit going from the start of the first measure. “Savior of Self” has a sick breakdown mid song that brings me back to my crab walk, punching the ground motion days (2007-2009 era). It certainly has a nostalgic vibe to it.

The album concludes with “Bloodshed”. The album starts off heavy and ends being heavy still with this track. Not their strongest track but it definitely gives you a leveling off impression to it considering it is the final track after all. The track ends with a choir-like tone as it fades, in which brings us to the end.

MISS MAY I is back after 5 years, and they have not missed a beat. Curse Of Existence gives a more modern spin to their previous work but still feels true to themselves. This album will leave you headbanging and running circle pits from start to finish.

Curse Of Existence Track List:

A Smile That Does Not Exist

Earth Shaker
Bleed Together
Into Oblivion

Hollow Vessel
Free Fall
Born Destroyers

Unconquered
Savior to Self
Bloodshed

Curse Of Existence will be available worldwide on September 2^nd, 2022. You may pre-order the album and any other MISS MAY I merchandise here.

The Curse of Existence Tour with headliner Miss May and Currents, Kingdom of Giants, and Landmvrks.

Tour Dates:

Thursday, September 1 St. Louis, MO – Red Flag
Friday, September 2 Springfield, MO – The Riff
Saturday, September 3 Dallas, TX – Amplified Live
Sunday, September 4 San Antonio, TX – Rock Box
Tuesday, September 6 Mesa, AZ – The Nile
Wednesday, September 7 Los Angeles, CA – The Regent
Thursday, September 8 Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
Saturday, September 10 Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre
Sunday, September 11 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Tuesday, September 13 Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall
Wednesday, September 14 Denver, CO – Oriental Theater
Thursday, September 15 Lawrence, KS – The Granada
Saturday , September 17 Joliet, IL – The Forge
Sunday, September 18 Flint, MI – Machine Shop
Tuesday, September 20 Toronto, ON – Velvet Underground
Wednesday, September 21 Montreal, QC – Theatre Fairmount
Friday, September 23 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
Saturday, September 24 Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
Sunday, September 25 Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls
Tuesday, September 27 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
Wednesday, September 28 Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger
Thursday, September 29 Richmond, VA – Canal Club
Friday, September 30 Horseheads, NY – The L
Sunday, October 1 Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
Monday, October 2 New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre