After more than a decade of shaping modern metalcore, Miss May I are preparing to open one of their most personal chapters yet. The Ohio veterans have officially announced their eighth studio album, No Place For Me, arriving October 2 through Solid State Records, while also giving fans their first look at the record with the emotionally charged new single, “Sanctuary.”
The announcement marks the band’s first full length release since 2022’s Curse Of Existence and begins what appears to be a new era built around vulnerability, self reflection, and the emotional battles that often remain hidden beneath the surface. Alongside the announcement, Miss May I also released the official music video for “Sanctuary,” offering fans an early glimpse into the themes that define the upcoming album.
Watch the music video for “Sanctuary” below:
“Sanctuary” Explores The Search For Peace Within
While Miss May I has never shied away from writing about pain and perseverance, “Sanctuary” may be one of the band’s most introspective songs to date. Frontman Levi Benton explained that the track centers around the realization that the biggest obstacle to finding peace can sometimes be yourself.
“‘Sanctuary’ is a song about wanting to feel safe and realizing you’re the one making that impossible. It’s a cycle I’ve struggled with my whole life and I think a lot of people know exactly what that feels like.”
Rather than relying solely on aggression, the song balances crushing riffs, melodic hooks, and honest lyricism that feels relatable for anyone dealing with anxiety, self doubt, or intrusive thoughts. It continues the band’s tradition of pairing emotionally heavy subject matter with memorable songwriting that sticks long after the final breakdown.
No Place For Me Is Miss May I’s Most Personal Record Yet
According to Benton, writing No Place For Me became much more than simply creating another album. It evolved into a process of confronting emotions that had remained buried for years.
He described the record as a complete journey through self discovery, explaining that every song represents different stages of understanding of who he truly is.
“No Place For Me is everything I’ve felt for a long time but never had the words for. Writing it taught me who I actually am even when that hurt to look at. It’s a full journey: where it started, what I discovered, and where I am today.”
That level of honesty feels like the driving force behind the album. The band embraces discomfort, allowing the songs to document growth, setbacks, and acceptance in equal measure.
A Track List That Hints At Heavy Themes
Even before hearing the full record, the track titles alone suggest that No Place For Me will continue exploring deeply personal matters.
Track Listing:
- Sanctuary
- Portrait of Pain
- Hand Me A Halo
- Pray for Silence
- Death Threat
- Die on the Vine
- Fire Falls
- Bury Me Down
- Ashes Of The Altar
- Highbrow Thieves
Titles like “Portrait of Pain,” “Pray for Silence,” and “Ashes Of The Altar” reinforce the emotional direction introduced by “Sanctuary.”
Nearly Two Decades Of Metalcore Consistency
Miss May I was formed in Ohio in 2007. The band quickly established itself through relentless touring and a style that blended technical guitar work, memorable choruses,and hardcore energy. That formula helped separate them from many of their peers while earning a loyal fanbase that has continued to grow across multiple generations of heavy music fans.
Their breakthrough came with 2012’s At Heart, which debuted at No. 32 on the Billboard 200 and significantly expanded the band’s audience. They continued building momentum with Deathless in 2015 and Shadows Inside in 2017, both reaching the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums and Top Rock Albums charts.
Most recently, Curse Of Existence received praise from critics for combining the band’s signature intensity with more mature songwriting, proving they still had plenty left to offer after years on the road. Throughout their career, Miss May I has also become known as one of metalcore’s most dependable live acts, sharing stages with genre leaders including Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, and Motionless In White while performing for audiences around the world.
A New Label And A Fresh Beginning
No Place For Me also marks the band’s first release on Solid State Records, lending this era an added sense of significance. The partnership is a natural fit for a band that has always balanced aggressiveness with emotional depth. Solid State Records has been home to some of the most respected artists in metal, making this collaboration an exciting next step as Miss May I enters another chapter of their career.
If “Sanctuary” is any indication, No Place For Me won’t simply be another collection of heavy songs. It promises to be one of the band’s most honest statements yet, transforming fear, anxiety, and personal struggles into songs that listeners can find comfort in during their own darkest moments. With the album arriving on October 2, fans won’t have to wait much longer to experience what could become one of Miss May I’s strongest and most emotionally resonant releases to date.
Stay tuned for more coverage of Miss May I via the official RespectMyRegion.com newsletter. Sign up on our home page!
