In the Midst of Lions

**Labels:** | * Strike First Records
 **Former members:** | Matt JanssenRyan McAllisterSam PennerJake MitchellAlex LivingstonLance BettisLouis Probst

**In the Midst of Lions** (**ITMOL**) was a deathcore band that originated out of St. Louis, Missouri in the United States. The band was created in 2009 by Vocalist Matt Janssen, Lead Guitarist Ryan McAllister, Rhythm Guitarist Lance Bettis, Bassist Louis Probst, and Drummer Alex Livingston. The band was signed with Strike First Records and later Facedown Records and released three studio albums and a demo.

## History

In the Midst of Lions began out of St. Louis, Missouri. The band began in 2009 with the lineup of Vocalist Matt Janssen, Lead Guitarist Ryan McAllister, Rhythm Guitarist Lance Bettis, Bassist Louis Probst, and Drummer Alex Livingston. However, Bettis and Probst departed from the band soon after formation, leading them to be replaced by Sam Penner and Jake Mitchell respectively. That year, the band signed with Strike First Records and released their debut album, *Out of Darkness*. By the end of the year, it was announced the band would go on two tours with bands such as Beneath the Sky, We Were Gentlemen, Hands, The Crimson Armada, and Sleep Serapis Sleep.

In the Midst of Lions would then graduate from Strike First and sign with Facedown Records. The band would then release their sophomore album, *The Heart of Man*, through their new label. The band would then embark on the Scream the Prayer Tour's third annual tour. The band would then record their third album, *Shadows*, in 2011, and release it through Facedown.

However, following the album's release, the band announced they would be disbanding, leaving a statement on their Facebook page;

> "*Hello, everyone!*
>
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> We are so so sorry for how long it has taken us to update you all on the situation with the band.
>
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> After our last tour in November of 2011 ended we came home with intentions of resting up and heading back out on the road on the "Kingdom Days" tour in April of 2012. Unfortunately, the long break from tour along with some other opportunities for a couple of the band members meant that 2 of our members were leaving the band. This caused us to cancel our April tour for the remaining members to decide what our next step was. After a few months of no decisions and lack of motivation to catch 2 new members up to speed we decided to call it quits and see where the Lord would take us in our own lives individually.
>
>
> We are truly sorry that we took so long [to] I update you. If we have any farewell tour shows or even a tour in the future we will update you immediately.
>
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> God bless you all and thank you for the support though the years! We truly appreciate all your support!!*"*
>
>
>
> ― In the Midst of Lions[[source]]
>
>

The band reunited in 2017 to perform a single show at Facedown Fest 2017, celebrating the label's 20 year anniversary.

## Members

**Last Known Lineup**

* Matt Janssen - Vocals (2009-2012, 2017)
* Ryan McAllister - Lead Guitars (2009-2012, 2017)
* Samuel "Sam" Penner - Rhythm Guitars (2009-2012, 2017)
* Jake Mitchell - Bass (2009-2012, 2017)
* Alex Livingston - Drums (2009-2012, 2017)

**Former**

* Lance Bettis - Rhythm Guitars (2009)
* Louis Probst - Bass (2009)

## Discography

**Studio albums**

* *Out of Darkness* (2009)
* *The Heart of Man* (2010)
* *Shadows* (2011)

## References

1. ↑ "In the Midst of Lions". Allmusic. Retrieved on October 1, 2019.
2. ↑ "Strike First Recs signs In The Midst Of Lions". Lambgoat. April 23, 2009. Retrieved on October 1, 2019.
3. ↑ W, Chris (June 22, 2009). "Album Review : In the Midst of Lions - Out of Darkness". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved on October 1, 2019.
4. ↑ "Beneath the Sky, We Were Gentlemen, Hands tour". Lambgoat. October 15, 2009. Retrieved on October 1, 2019.
5. ↑ "In the Midst of Lions, Crimson Armada tour". Lambgoat. November 28, 2009. Retrieved on October 1, 2019.
6. ↑ "Facedown Records Signs In The Midst Of Lions". Lambgoat. January 6, 2010. Retrieved on October 1, 2019.
7. ↑ "Scream the Prayer III dates". Lambgoat. May 1, 2010. Retrieved on October 1, 2019.
8. ↑ "Facedown Fest 2017 announced". Lambgoat. January 24, 2017. Retrieved on October 1, 2019.
9. ↑ Beard, Mason (January 24, 2017). "Facedown Records Announces Facedown Fest 2017 Lineup". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved on October 1, 2019.