Memphis May Fire
This Light I Hold
Reviewed by: Geno Thackara
Take a little alt-rock groove and a big pile of nu-metal rage, add a couple anthemic hooks alongside the machine-gun drumming, and you’re in for a dynamic ride with Memphis May Fire. They’re locked in as nice and tight as the songs demand, weaving a feel for melody along with some pummeling riffs to bang heads and maybe crack skulls to. On their fourth full-length they’re still willing to make a ton of noise without dumbing anything down in the process.
As with many things in the metal world, the listener’s tolerance for the vocals will be a deciding factor. These guys like the variety between straightforward singing and throat-rending screams, sometimes throwing in the occasional psychotic shriek or cookie-monster growl just for giggles. That can make it a tough listen unless you’re already accustomed to the style – or maybe if you just happen to be furious about something at the moment, in which case it can be a great help for some prime anger management (and much more cheaply than actual therapy).
This Light I Hold isn’t just a poetic name to put on some cool glow sticks at the merch stand. The title song (with the grungy help of Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix) is a pure defiant dose of self-confidence and, dare I say, positivity. These songs are a lot smarter than your usual bunch of angry screamers. Sure, there’s a breakup song or two just dripping with venom, but also introspective themes and philosophical concerns. There’s clearly a lot of thought behind the lyrics and the intricate riffing, even if the overall thrash quotient might make them sound a bit off their meds. Dig in and enjoy as long as your eardrums can stand it.
Rating: Bad-Ass
