Miss May I’s 15th anniversary edition of Apologies Are for the Weak marked a complete reimagining of their breakthrough album, revitalized with new energy and featuring a stellar lineup of guest artists from the contemporary metalcore scene. Each track has been re-recorded, adding fresh perspectives while preserving the raw emotion that made the original album a landmark in the genre.
This special edition includes collaborations with members of AUGUST BURNS RED, SILENT PLANET, BLEEDING THROUGH, and many others, highlighting the band’s strong connections within the heavy music community and their enduring influence on it.
The album, originally released in 2009, marked a significant moment in metalcore, blending savage breakdowns with soaring melodic refrains.
Over the years, Apologies Are for the Weak has garnered a dedicated following, resonating deeply with fans who connect with its themes of personal struggle, defiance, and resilience.
The lyrics delve into the inner battles we all face, the fight against despair, and the hope that emerges from hardship, making it a timeless piece of art.
Join us as the band explores each track in detail, examining how the guest artists have infused new life into the songs, adding their unique styles and perspectives while honoring the energy and emotion that defined the original album.
A Dance With Aera Cura (Feat. Garrett Russell from Silent Planet)
This was an exciting track for the re-recording because it was the first one that a guest wanted to feature on and their excitement showed us that this project could be possible.
Garret from Silent Planet was on tour with Ryan Neff and they chatted about the possibility of the track and it was early on before we knew exactly how we were going to make it happen. So hearing that Garret wanted the song and the spot if we moved forward showed us that we should pursue an all-feature album.
Architect (Feat. Brian Wille from Currents)
Brian from Currents requested this song when I asked him to be a part of the album. He was one of the first artists I reached out to and his request was for ‘Architect’ which was one of his favorite tracks growing up.
We always knew they listed to us in their early years and we knew they would need to be a part of it.
Not Our Tomorrow (Feat. Brandan Schieppati from Bleeding Through)
This track is special to me because it was the first song we completed in whole in the studio and it showed us how to structure a song professionally which was eye-opening.
Since it had so much melody and was heavy we knew it would be a great spot to showcase Branden from Bleeding Through who also took us out on one of our first tours on this album. He showed us how to tour and how to react when things start to pick up. We owe so much to the Bleeding Through camp.
Arms Of The Messiah (Feat. Scott Lewis From Carnifex)
Carnifex took us out on our first tour ever. When we were selecting friends we wanted to have everyone who helped us get started be a part of it and Scott was first on the list.
When it came to song selections and knowing how heavy Scott sounds we all chose ‘Arms Of The Messiah’ because it has the heaviest moments throughout the album.
Apologies Are For The Weak (Feat. Anthony Notarmaso from After the Burial)
When we started as a band one of our influences was After The Burial who we later toured with multiple times and befriended.
Within this song, there is some influence of their rhythmic bouncy riffs. So when the time came to bring up friends who could be a part of the album we thought it would be great to have Anthony come back onto the song he inspired 15 years prior.
Harlots Breath (Feat. Brook Reeves from Impending Doom)
Brook Doom from Impending Doom was my coach on our first tour. I had no idea how to play more than 30 minutes and more than 2 days straight and Brook showed me how to warm up and how to be a frontman. He has been a family friend since then and we had to have him a part of this release.
Tides (Feat.Jake Luhrs from August Burns Red)
August Burns Red was one of the artists that inspired Miss May I when we were first starting out and just like many other influences they became friends years later. Jake and I have been closer than tour friends and he has always been there for me and I knew this would be the same situation.
He was the first person I texted to see his interest in the idea and he immediately texted me back “Anything you need man.” Which I really needed because the idea seemed so daunting from the outside looking in.
Blessing With A Curse (Feat. Trevor Wentwoth from Our Last Night)
When we were coming up we were coming up at the same time as Our Last Night who we befriended on the road. Trevor has always been a great vocalist and they have transcended into a new realm of music.
With all of that, we thought it would be great to have them on a track not only for Trevor’s screams, but also his singing.
Porcelain Wings (Feat. Telle Smith From The World Alive)
Back in Junior High before Miss May I was even an idea I was obsessed with this local Dayton Ohio band called ‘March and Collapse’ which I discovered on Purevolume. Fast forward 20 years later and that singer from small-town Ohio has been my friend and toured with me multiple times around the world is Telle from The Word Alive.
He is more my brother than he is a friend and we made sure he had this song because since this song’s conception as “No Need To Whip A Dead Horse” on our first demo it always had a close friend featured on it.
Forgive & Forget (Feat. Ryan Kirby + Ryan “Tuck” O’Leary from Fit for a King)
This was the leading track for our career and means a lot to us so it was very special for us to choose the guest. We knew Kirby and Tuck from Fit For A King really could be the only ones that would elevate this song to where we wanted it and after the exposure it has had over the years.
They also added their own spin to the ending and it makes the track the best ending to the celebration.
MISS MAY I on tour:
Miss May I will hit the road on a headline tour this fall, during which they will play Apologies Are for the Weak in full. All dates are below. The band has announced the first annual Relentless Fest, set for November 3 in Covington, Kentucky, during which they will play Apologies Are For the Weak in full.
16/12 — Munich, Germany — Backstage
17/12 — Berlin, Germany — Hole44
19/12 — Hamburg, Germany — Logo
22/12 — London, UK — 02 Academy Islington
10/2 — Lakewood, OH — The Roxy
10/3 — Lansing, MI — Grewal Hall
10/4 — Chicago, IL — Bottom Lounge
10/5 — Des Moines, IA — Wooly’s
10/6 — St. Paul, MN — Amsterdam Bar & Grill
10/8 — Denver, CO — The Oriental Theatre
10/9 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro Music Hall
10/11 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
10/12 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theatre
10/14 — Roseville, CA — Goldfields
10/15 — Pomona, CA — Glasshouse
10/16 — San Diego, CA — Brick By Brick
10/17 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Theatre
10/19 — Dallas, TX — Trees
10/20 — Austin, TX — Come And Take It Live
10/21 — Houston, TX — Warehouse
10/23 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade
10/24 — Tampa, FL — Orpheum
10/25 — Charleston, NC — Music Farm
10/26 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819
10/27 — Richmond, VA — The Canal Club
10/29 — Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Monarch
10/30 — Worcester, MA — Palladium
11/1 — Mechanicsburg, PA — Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
11/2 — Pittsburgh, PA — Mr. Smalls
11/3 — Covington, KY — Relentless Fest*
*Festival Date
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16/12 — Munich, Germany — Backstage
17/12 — Berlin, Germany — Hole44
19/12 — Hamburg, Germany — Logo
22/12 — London, UK — 02 Academy Islington
