MEMPHIS MAY FIRE
Shapeshifter
Rise Records
Review By Trudy Kessenger
Staying true to MEMPHIS MAY FIRE's style, their eighth album, Shapeshifter, brings you thirty minutes of utterly heart-capturing and self-reflecting music. So, buckle up, and let's dig through our feelings just a bit, shall we?
The album kicks off with Matt's raw intensity, right from his passionate declaration in "Chaotic", which plunges you into a visceral world of emotion and internal battles. It's as if every note, every scream, is a call to arms. The line "Night after night hear my soul keep saying 'Fight for your life' but my will feels wasted" echoes throughout, encapsulating the struggle between holding on and feeling overwhelmed.
Track after track, MEMPHIS MAY FIRE takes you on a journey of self-exploration. In "Infection", they dive deep into the scars we try to hide, ripping open old wounds with the force of truth too raw to ignore like "The perfect murder with my own blade", a metaphor for the self-inflicted pain that fuels our growth. This relentless introspection is matched by the band's signature blend of double drums, heart-pumping guitars, and infectious melodic grooves that make you want to move even as you grapple with your inner demons.
The album isn't without its moments of contrast, offering a brief respite in tracks like "The Other Side", where calmer, introspective passages give you a moment to catch your breath. Yet even in these quieter moments, the underlying theme of relentless internal conflict remains ever-present.
Highlights like the underwater-like vocals in "Overdose (Ft. BLINDSIDE)" and the seamless transition from "Versus" into "Love is War" showcase the band's mastery of timing and production. They effortlessly weave together tension and release, creating a soundscape that mirrors the chaotic ebb and flow of life's battles.
Shapeshifter isn't just an album; it's an emotional expedition. It challenges you to confront both the light and dark within, reminding you that every struggle has its own story, and every scar a hidden strength. MEMPHIS MAY FIRE has once again crafted a sonic experience that is as brutally honest as it is exhilarating, leaving you questioning, feeling, and ultimately, empowered.
With relentless energy and vulnerable lyricism, listeners are invited into a profound journey of self-discovery. Though there are minor pacing issues, the album delivers masterful execution and emotional authenticity.
4.5 Out Of 5.0
