In the fickle world of modern music, where bands rise and fall with the capricious tides of public opinion, Alien Ant Farm stands as a testament to endurance. Their latest offering ~mAntras~ not only defies expectations but firmly reasserts their presence in alt rock. Their sixth full-length release, the album emerges from a crucible of personal transformation, serving as both a culmination of their journey thus far and a bold step into uncharted territory.

Since their meteoric rise in 2001 propelled by hits like "Movies" and their unforgettable rendition of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal," Alien Ant Farm has weathered numerous storms. Yet, the period between their last album, Always And Forever, and ~mAntras~ has been particularly challenging. This tumultuous journey resulted in the 11 tracks that comprise the album.

Guitarist Terry Corso encapsulates the essence of ~mAntras~ when he reflects, "Growing up, divorce, children, family, death, band break-ups, surgeries, illness, health - everything is in this record. It’s literally a product of all the fucking shit, good and bad, that we went through." Indeed, the album points to the band's resilience in the face of adversity, each track bearing the weight of personal trials and tribulations.

However, far from dwelling solely on the past, ~mAntras~ represents a cathartic journey of self-discovery and growth. Vocalist Dryden Mitchell quips, "The manure makes the flower grow," capturing the power of embracing life's challenges. With a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance, the band sounds rejuvenated, no longer shackled by the pressures that had previously bound them.

Embracing their past as a "crazy prog band," the band infuses ~mAntras~ with a depth and complexity that belies their mainstream success. Mitchell humorously notes, "If you scratch that just a couple of songs in, there’s some real goodness going on in there." This willingness to explore new territories further proves their artistic maturity and refusal to be confined by expectations.

And while career longevity in rock music can be rare, Alien Ant Farm revel in the freedom to chart their own course. As guitarist Terry Corso aptly puts it, "Longevity has kind of become the luxury... It gives us a bit of wiggle room to have those prog tendencies and move in ways that feel good to us." With ~mAntras~, the band not only reaffirm their place in alternative rock but also signal a bold new chapter in their storied career.