All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade is the fourth studio album by Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men. It was released on 17 October 2025 through Skarkali Records, marking the band's return after a six-year hiatus since their previous full-length album, Fever Dream (2019). The album explores themes of love, pain, loneliness, and connection through atmospheric folk-rock soundscapes and poetic storytelling.
Background The album's title is derived from the closing track "Mouse Parade", which tells a surreal story of mice inhabiting a vacant house during winter. Lead singer Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir described the song as "a little bit of an odd one out," yet emblematic of the album's emotional duality.
Artwork The cover art for All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade was designed by singer and guitarist Ragnar Þórhallsson, in collaboration with graphic designer Davíð Arnar Baldursson. It features abstract, muted visuals that reflect the album’s introspective tone and surreal themes.
Reception The album received positive reviews from critics, who praised its introspective tone and sonic evolution. When the Horn Blows described it as "the band's most introspective and sonically polished work to date", highlighting its atmospheric textures and emotional nuance. Apple Music noted the album's surreal storytelling and emotional vulnerability. Genius listed the full track lyrics and credited the band's songwriting as "a tapestry of stories, moments, and conversations".
Track listing
Personnel Of Monsters and Men Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir – vocals, guitar Ragnar Þórhallsson – vocals, guitar Brynjar Leifsson – guitar Kristján Páll Kristjánsson – bass Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson – drums, percussion
Additional musicians Steingrímur Karl Teague – keyboards Ragnhildur Gunnarsdóttir – trumpet, keyboards Josh Kaufman – 12-string guitar (tracks 3, 6)
Technical Of Monsters and Men – producer Peter Katis – mixing; producer (tracks 1, 6, 9) Greg Calbi – mastering
Artwork and design Davíð Arnar Baldursson – graphic design Ragnar Þórhallsson – graphic design
Charts Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade Chart (2025) Peakposition French Rock & Metal Albums (SNEP) 65 German Rock & Metal Albums (Offizielle Top 100) 16 Icelandic Albums (Tónlistinn) 14 Irish Independent Albums (IRMA) Note: Select 24-Oct-25 on the date selector. 8
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