Review: Memphis May Fire’s The Hollow

Hailing from Texas, Memphis May Fire were better known to be Southern Rock, with a few EPs, 2 albums, and a few record labels under their belt. Memphis May Fire is one of the newest editions to the Rise Records family, and with their newly released album on Rise, The Hollow has already made its mark. Landing at #1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart, The Hollow is a huge step up from their old sound. Fans who loved the southern-ness of their old stuff don’t need to worry, however; The Hollow is as just as heavy, with great clean vocals and screams. Matty Mullins (lead vocals) knows what he is doing! MMF includes great elements of metal guitar and well-placed electronics.

When you first listen to the album you start off with “The Sinner,” a very in-your-face type of song. You get your ears rung with some brutal screams and then amazed by some very nice clean vocals. Memphis May Fire isn’t like other post-hardcore bands, that just throw breakdowns into every song. The songs with breakdowns like “The Sinner,” are very well placed. Once you hit track five, “The Deceived,” you’re hearing a very honest “heart-to-heart” type of song. It deals with a loved one and then being betrayed by that loved one. A good mix of screams and clean vocals, with back up chants are featured throughout the song. “How could you leave me standing outside” are such powerful words when heard. The whole albums screams honesty. Other tracks to check out are “The Victim” and “The Haunted.” Overall, the album is a very matured effort, and a big awakening for anything from dealing with everyday problems/burdens to being cheated on, to your faith, to dealing with the real world. This is an album I can just put on repeat over and over again.