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For a genre almost built on that fabled “last gang in town” mentality and image, it is kind of strange how often heavy metal bands are formed around one specific member who acts as the band leader. From time to time it’s two people, but more often than not long running heavy metal acts have that one mastermind. The kind who might not always write the songs themselves, but they still steer the band in the direction they want it to go while chopping and changing the line up until they have a bunch of people they feel comfortable collaborating with.
Memphis May Fire are a perfect example of how well this can go, as under sole constant member Kellen McGregor, they’ve become one of the most acclaimed acts in American metal and if their recent efforts are anything to go by, they might also be going to become one of the biggest. McGregor formed the original incarnation of the band in 2004 as Oh Captain, My Captain, and after three years of local touring they changed their name to Memphis May Fire, it was then that the band started to pick up some real momentum.
Their local following increased exponentially and, in order to capitalise, the band funded the recording their first self-titled E.P, and then self-released at their shows and on their website. Their E.P caught the attention of Josh Grabelle, president of Trustkill Records, who was so taken with them that he had them signed to his label by September 2007, and their E.P was reissued in December of the same year. With that much momentum on their side, the band wanted to turn their attention to recording their debut album, but it was at that point that their first wave of line up troubles reared up, leading to the bands original bassist, drummer and lead singer all leaving the band.
After searching, the rhythm section was eventually rebuilt with full time members Cory Elder on bass and Jake Garland on drums. Then, after putting out an open audition on their MySpace page, the band found their new lead singer in the form of Matty Mullens, then a mere 19 years old. The new incarnation of the band came together and recorded their debut effort, 2009’s “Sleepwalker”, and almost instantly the band were taken seriously as the hot, new contenders on the metal scene. By 2011, the band had signed to legendary metalcore label Rise Records, and began their rise to the very top of the American metal scene.
Since then, they become one of the most consistently great bands in American metal, with all their albums gaining critical acclaim and their astonishing live show has seen them sell out venues all over the world. Over a decade into their career, they’re right in their prime and will be for a very long time. Highly recommended.
Críticas en vivo
Featuring several line-up changes, the Texan metalcore five piece Memphis May Fire are more commonly recognised and characterised by fiery lead vocalist Matty Mullins. Having made several appearances at the prestigious Warped Tour playing alongside bands like: Bring Me the Horizon, Sleeping with Sirens and We Came as Romans, so it’s no surprise that time after time fans come out in droves to the shows with the knowledge that they’re guaranteed an electrifying and energetic performance.
Even before they hit the stage, the combination of intermittent red spotlights and dramatic music assists the rising anticipation of the crowd, who go crazy as soon as the band hit the stage. Mullins connects with the audience with his inspirational speeches in between songs, asking them to leave their troubles at the door and welcomes them into the Memphis May Fire family. The great thing about MMF, is there is always a level of engagement with the audience whether it’s through cheeky banter or passing round the mic into the crowd, there’s no doubt that the audience are just as integral to the show as the band are. Mullins is a champ of frontman as he enthuses the crowd at every possible moment, and in turn they feed off this energy as they cheer and heed his every command, incessantly jumping up and down through the entirety of the set. Performing tracks like “Sinner” and “Alive in the Lights” are perfect for getting the crowd involved as they band’s electric energy transpires through. It isn't all fast paced, aptly slowing down the tempo with “Miles Away” a heartfelt dedication to Mullins’ wife, the crowd respond by singing along from the top of their lungs and arms up with their cameras in the air. Memphis May Fire inspire, entertain and speak to the hearts of all who witness their shows, you can truly see that the delight on their faces mirrored into their adoring fans. With explosive, energetic and fun-filled shows, it’s no wonder that everyone leaves with a smile on their face.
EvieCriedWolf
As of this year, Memphis May Fire will have been a band for a whole decade. To put things in perspective Mumford and Sons are three years younger than them, while Imagine Dragons are younger by four and Bastille six. While numerous other bands may have had quicker rises to the top of the charts and into the welcoming arms of arenas the world over the Metalcore five piece from Dallas, Texas have something that the others don’t. Something utterly vital, that can’t be bought by a record label or crowd-funded by a dedicated fan base and that something, is experience. Memphis May Fire have had ten years to perfect what they do and make it truly their own, and it shows in every one of the multitude of lives shows they do. The band doesn’t put much truck in staying in one place, they’re constantly touring and if they’re not they’re making a record, so like most bands that make their name touring like their lives depend on it the true Memphis May Fire experience comes in their live show. Their identity is in every part of it, from frontman Matty Mullins’ ability to command any audience he finds himself in front of with wit and warmth through to sole founding member Kellen McGregor’s totemic stage presence and note perfect guitar playing. For all this talk of the bands tenth anniversary I don’ feel it matters all that much to the band. They keep doing what they do to the best of their ability and every concert they play is more important to them than any statistic or milestone one can mention, and we are privileged to have bands like that as rock and roll fans the world over. Ones to see as soon as possible.
william-howard-2
Memphis May Fire has been a band for over ten years and despite only really achieving commerciality with their latest album 'Unconditional', the group has amassed a huge following for their metal core sound and they continue to sell out the band's tours in record numbers.
Obviously following the band's new found success come the new fans and there feels a slight tension between them and the devoted who have been following the group since the debut 'Sleepwalking' in 2009. However as the opening tones of 'The Sinner' begins the crowd unites and becomes a thousand strong choir to proudly sing back the words.
The band gives their all onstage and encouraged by the singing launch into fan favourites 'Miles Away' and 'Be Careful What You Wish For' with unmatched intensity. Despite the changes in lineup, Matty Mullins pulls the whole show together and looks to the future as he conducts a mass singalong to new single 'Sleepless Nights'. They finish with a guitar heavy version of 'Legacy' which has the crowd proudly clapping along the instrumentalists whilst Mullins evokes larger and larger reaction. Memphis May Fire has had varying lineup, but a consistently solid performance.
sean-ward
Saw MMF at the Outland Ballroom in Springfield MO. The show was incredible! Matty let me get on stage and sing with him. The venue was small so we were able to get front row. We got VIP and got to meet all the band members, they were all super nice. Matty even waited outside of the bus after the show to meet all the fans. They all performed amazing, it was one of the best shows Ive ever been to. We will most definitely be at another show!
BrittNichole17
It was amazing. Definitely a good choice to pick at Warped Tour since there are so many bands. Matty Mullins voice is even better in person. It was crazy- everyone jumping, singing, dancing, so many crowd surfers. I highly recommend it, especially if you're the type that enjoys crowd surfing, moshing, etc. I'd go again!
alliehaug
The Memphis May Fire show everything and more than I could have hoped for. The music better the CD! The band was tight. Vocals were amazing. Even when fans started stage diving they went with it and just played it off even asking if one crowd surfer had survived the fall.
carolyn-baker
The show was great until the end. I didn't get to see Memphis May Fire play here at The Door because of someone getting enjured and I had to leave to go to the hospital to help them. I did not have the chance to watch them live.
Motionlessforever13
This band gives an amazing live performance! They are super tight, deliver amazing sound and create an energetic atmosphere. They clearly love what they do and put that into their music and performance.
mark-hundley
IT WAS AWESOME. This was my first metal show and it was everything that I had expected. I deff cannot wait to see them again. Memphis May Fire is a band you must see before you die.
lexie-brown-2
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