Austin Carlile
A metalcore frontman whose ferocious stage presence was a defiant battle against the physical limits imposed by a rare genetic disorder.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American singer·Birthday: September 27·Millennials
Biography
Austin Carlile's path to screaming into microphones was carved by physical pain. A promising high school athlete, his body was wracked by multiple surgeries due to Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder. Channeling that frustration and energy, he found catharsis in music, first as the chaotic frontman for the electronic metalcore band Attack Attack! and later as a founding force in Of Mice & Men. His raw, emotive vocals and intense live performances became a hallmark of the 2010s metalcore scene, soundtracking mosh pits worldwide. Yet, every performance was a gamble; the sheer physical strain of his vocal style exacerbated his chronic health issues. In 2016, he made the painful decision to leave the band he helped build, prioritizing his long-term survival over his career. His subsequent move to Costa Rica to coach youth baseball reflected a search for a quieter purpose, marking a stark and poignant second act.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Austin was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Austin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Austin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Served as the founding lead vocalist for the metalcore band Of Mice & Men, contributing to several charting albums.
- Was the lead vocalist for Attack Attack! during the peak of the 'crabcore' era, appearing on their self-titled album.
- Navigated a major music career while publicly managing the severe health challenges of Marfan syndrome.
Did You Know?
He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, playing baseball, basketball, and running track before his surgeries.
After leaving music, he moved to Costa Rica to work as a youth baseball coach.
He has undergone over 20 surgeries due to complications from Marfan syndrome.
Carlile is a devout Christian and has spoken about his faith's role in his life and music.
“My screams are just the sound of my body fighting itself.”
