Review Summary: Although originality is dead in the Metalcore scene, Memphis May Fire create an album fuelled with passion that surpasses nearly all their peers.
After 'Between the Lies' many thought Memphis May Fire would spiral down into obscurity, soon to be forgotten as they began to walk the path that every band in the redundant scene had walked before them. However that assumption couldn't be more wrong, their Rise Records debut effort 'The Hollow' certainly isn't original, but they've crafted an album that is full of emotion, passion; whatever you want to call it, they've managed to capture that 'feeling' and portray it throughout the album. The Hollow is a dark, atmospheric, relentless sonic venture, which if you're a fan of Metalcore or MMF you should at least try to indulge with what it has to offer.
Matty Mullins, the man behind the microphone and what a set of lungs he possesses; he sings and screams, his singing is full of emotion and it manages to form a relationship with the listener because it seems like throughout the entire album he is explaining/confessing/confiding in the listener. His cleans can be anything from elegant to slightly raspy, he probably has one of the best voices in the scene and it's definitely shown throughout 'TH'. It shines on every chorus, failing not to capture the listener at any one point. His screaming is powerful and his range is also great, he can do the high whines/screams to the deep guttaruls and at the same time he manages to convey emotion. For example in 'The Commanded' he spits a sense of urgency, adding to the overall experience. It would have been nice to hear MMF take advantage of Mullins' singing voice as much as they did with his screams but overall his performance on the Hollow is flawless. 5/5
The Hollow had a tough job to do, it had to prove people wrong. It was already being labelled as 'just another breakdown album' before it was even released and hopefully people realise that MMF are talented and are not musically bland like their peers. Of course the album contains breakdowns, each powerful and adding to the overall visceral experience; they fit the songs well and help suck you into the music allowing you to enjoy them and the other musical delights. Yes, the breakdowns aren't all creative and there is indeed 'chug, chug, chug, jun, jun' moments throughtout the album but seriously what did you expect? 'TH' has plenty of riffs and some songs manage to keep the 'Southern tone' MMF are known for, freshening the album throughout. Electronics are also featured on this album but they're subtle and when they do take precedence they bring something to the table; they're not just a 'gimmick', which is over-used. It is nice to hear synths not be over-used for once although I think it would of been nicer if they had maybe one or two more climatic build-ups to add to some of the more weaker songs. The drums are fast-paced, bringing that extra 'punch' to the music melding together the whole 'heaviness' of the album.
Lyrically, the album is about various things Mullins' himself has experienced, they're heartfelt and extremely personal, they aren't award winning but they are a key factor behind all of the emotion and atmosphere on 'TH'. Musically 'TH' is great, at times it stumbles but it isn't anything too drastic. 4.5/5
Overall 'TH' is an eery sounding album, the production is crisp and clear and everything sounds really good.
The synths add to the over-all sound, stopping it from sounding stale, the guitar tones and their slight intricacies here and there steady the backbone of 'TH's sound. At times, when the singing and synth meet at once it can come off slightly 'Woe, Is Me-esque', which depending on your opinion is a good or a bad thing, to me; it isn't necessarily bad but it pulls away from the overall 'fresh' sound 'TH' is aiming for. Generally, their sound isn't anything new or invigorating nevertheless it's good enough.
4/5
The Hollow is an album that doesn't want to be forgotten, it wants to be remembered and it makes sure of it. It honestly makes a change to hear an album that isn't just your typical Metalcore album, it's an album that has a lot of substance, it has plenty to offer throughout the 10 tracks. Memphis May Fire prove that even though originality is pretty much dead in the Metalcore scene, you can still craft an excellent album from the scraps of your predecessors and molding it altogther to create your talented, improved-personal take on a damaged genre.
(Reviewers Note: I enjoyed this album a ridiculous amount, I understand most people won't it enjoy it, still it's good enough for a listen)
