Memphis May Fire – Challenger
Record Label: Rise Records
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Memphis May Fire’s sophomore record, The Hollow, was a bit of a sophomore slump. They ditched their bold Southern drawl and left behind the rock 'n roll feel to pursue a metalcore route not unlike other Rise bands. It was, at best, a letdown. However, their third record, Challenger, proves that the third time is the charm. Not unlike other Rise bands like Of Mice & Men, The Color Morale, and Miss May I, the guys still play “Rise-core,” but they kick into high voltage and make something different.
The theme of this record is a common one – Matt Mullins addresses the pains of being on the road touring constantly and having to be away from home. While much of the record is chug, chug, chug scream – you know the type – it isn’t all black and white. Employing Sleeping With Sirens’ Kellin Quinn on “Miles Away” results in the best song on the record. Veering away from screaming and metal, the song is permissively inviting – not unlike Of Mice & Men’s fantastic “My Understandings.” Lyrically, the song hits home as Mullins and Quinn sing of the hardships of being away from loved ones while on the road (“How am I supposed to be / Everything they expect me to be / When I feel so alone / Cause I left my heart at home”). “Miles Away” alone sets Memphis May Fire leagues above their peers. If they can continue to write songs in this vicinity, the guys are going to have to problem standing out.
Still, they stay true their sound for much of the record. Mullins wails, “From the beginning / I knew I was different” on the chaotic “Alive In The Lights” over string-snapping guitars. The fury increases on “Vices” as Mullins viciously attacks the mic with his screams. That is not to every song is this ferocious, as “Prove Me Right” and “Jezebel” have Mullins' Jekyll and Hyde switches from clean vox to screams fight for control.
While it may not sound much different than other records in the genre, Challenger wages a war. Memphis May Fire are pissed off and they aren’t afraid to fight. Mullins roars, “Where is the inspiration I need / How could I hate this / I used to crave this / I tell my stories as a form of release” alongside Asking Alexandria’s Danny Worsnop on “Losing Sight,” one of the most honest songs he’s ever written. Moments like this remove any armor from Mullins and crew; they’re at full vulnerability but they aren’t backing down at any moment.
Challenger is exactly what its namesake implies – it’s a battle cry, a war. Memphis May Fire have been near breaking point for years and they waste no time letting it rip this time around. When combined with crisp guitar work, meaty bass lines, and thunderous drumming, the screams fire bullets against the enemy track after track, and unlike with Attack Attack’s This Means War, Memphis May Fire are winning the battle with Challenger.
Great review but I disagree about The Hollow being a letdown. That album blew me away and is still my favorite from them -95%. Just got Challenger today and I love it though, probably a 90% so far.
Solid review, I agree with the majority of it. You just might want to double check the personnel for this album. Are you sure Ryan Bentley plays on this record, and that it's not Anthony Sepe? This is an honest question, not trying to be a dick.
Im about 99% sure Mullins does all of the vocals on the album,cleans and screams. Bentley might do some back up melody but Mullins does everything else. He cleared that up on the last record when people thought the guitarist was doing the cleans too. It is easily apparent he does them all on this record too,which is really admirable considering the switching back and forth. Live he does a great job with it too.
Mullins does all of the vocals on the album. Not the most original band, but definitely underrated. Everyone in the band are THE best in the "rise-core" genre IMO.
Couldn't disagree more. The Hollow was great, but this is just so mediocre. Generic lyrics coupled with chuggachugga scream verse/clean chorus formula.
Im about 99% sure Mullins does all of the vocals on the album,cleans and screams. Bentley might do some back up melody but Mullins does everything else. He cleared that up on the last record when people thought the guitarist was doing the cleans too. It is easily apparent he does them all on this record too,which is really admirable considering the switching back and forth. Live he does a great job with it too.
Im about 99% sure Mullins does all of the vocals on the album,cleans and screams. Bentley might do some back up melody but Mullins does everything else. He cleared that up on the last record when people thought the guitarist was doing the cleans too. It is easily apparent he does them all on this record too,which is really admirable considering the switching back and forth. Live he does a great job with it too.
Kellen does extra clean vocals live, not Ryan. But I'm not sure about in studio.
Yeah Matty does all vocals on this record, with Kellen doing backing live. And Ant Sepe is not doing guitar on this album. He joined after this album was done
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