Album: Unconditional

Band: Memphis May Fire

Genre: Metalcore

Release Date: March 25, 2014

Formed in 2004 under their original name “Oh Captain, My Captain,” Memphis May Fire is a Metalcore band of high reputation based out of Dallas, Texas.  Founded by Lead Guitar and Vocalist Kellen McGregor, the band’s current lineup also includes Matty Mullins on Vocals, Anthony Sepe on Rhythm Guitar, Cory Elder on Bass, and Jake Garland on drums. Already having three studio albums under its belt prior to 2013, MMF released its fourth studio album, “Unconditional,” in late March of 2014.

With a pounding guitar riff and a rippling drumbeat, “Unconditional” soars into a good start from the very first song. Through the process of lyrical analysis, it is revealed that “No Ordinary Love” is, as a matter of fact, a love song. However, it’s a very particular sort of love song. Instead of appealing to the subject in question in order to start a relationship, the song talks about trying to mend a seemingly failed/failing relationship (i.e. “Come back to me love”, “Is there any way that I could make it right?”, “I tried to save myself but I failed”, etc.) One small turn off, however, is the fact that even though it is a rather profound song, the majority of the song is screamed rather than sung.

Throughout the album, “Speechless” will come on and leave you completely, well, speechless. And no, not by displaying sensational guitar riffs and drum solos, but by how TAME the song actually is compared to the rest of the album. A simple, but solid drumbeat paves the way for a deep, serious-sounding guitar/bass harmony while an electronically added ambiance gives the song even further depth. Speechless is 100% sung, with the lyrics describing the feeling of being in love in great, accurate detail (i.e. “I find my purpose when I look at you.”, “For a moment, I’m a poet without words, speechless because you love me at my worst.”, “all I know is today I woke up falling in love again.”, etc.). Yes, this too is also a love song.

I, personally, find it remarkable how a band can go from calm, loving and profound to angry, self-depreciating and yet STILL profound in the span of a matter of seconds. The transition is a little jarring, but interesting. As opposed to taking the rest of the albums themes of love and loss, “The Rose” displays themes more concerned with being a beautiful singularity, about being previously under appreciated, and then casting aside doubt about rising from the ashes of a cruel world in order to look back at the forces/people that were previously holding you back and laughing in their faces.

Memphis May Fire is a great-sounding band, but overall their sound can become kind of irritating. There’s only so much heavy guitar and screaming one person can take in a single session. However, songs like “Speechless” planted in strategic places along the track listing really help the listing experience flow.

Track List

1. No Ordinary Love (3:56)

2. Beneath the Skin (4:12)

3. Sleepless Nights (3:41)

4. The Answer (4:09)

5. Possibilities (4:21)

6. Speechless (3:23)

7. The Rose (3:43)

8. Not Enough (4:03)

9. Need to Be (3:37)

10 Pharisees (3:53)

11. Divinity (4:22)