| Memphis May Fire | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Origin | Memphis, Texas, USA |
| Genres | Post-Hardcore, Metalcore, Southern metal (early) |
| Years active | 2006-present |
| Labels | Trustkill Records (2007 - 2010) Bullet Tooth Records (2010) Rise Records (since 2011) |
| Website | Memphis May Fire on Facebook |
| Members | |
| Ryan Bentley Cortez Elderado Jake Garland Kellen McGregor Matty Mullins |
|
| Past members | |
| Jeremy Grisham Eric Molesworth Tanner Oakes Austin Radford Chase Ryan |
|
Memphis May Fire is an American post-hardcore band currently based in Texas. Since its formation, the band has released two EPs and two full-length albums. Their music has been compared to Underoath and He Is Legend.[1]
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The band formed in December 2006, but it was not until February 2007 that the group decided on the name Memphis May Fire having previously gone by 'O Captain, My Captain!.'[2] In early 2007, the band recorded and self-released an EP, and began creating a local following.[3] Shortly thereafter, Memphis May Fire caught the attention of Josh Grabelle, the president of Trustkill Records. Grabelle commented on his feelings toward the band in a press release stating, "There is a lot of really exciting, young, dangerous music coming out of Texas right now, and Memphis May Fire are the cream of the crop. Not since Bullet for My Valentine's Hand of Blood have we heard a more compelling set of songs for an EP, where absolutely every song is bone-chillingly perfect, and timeless. These guys are on their way to something huge."[4][5] In September 2007 the band had officially signed to Trustkill, and their self-titled EP was reissued through the label in December 2007.[2]
Memphis May Fire hoped to release their debut album by summer 2008, however, during the recording sessions for the album, lead singer Chase Ryan decided to leave the band. Chase explained that he felt that his priorities should be with his new born child, and not a band. Upon announcing his resignation, bass player Austin Radford also decided to part ways with the band shortly thereafter. He would be replaced by Cortez Elderado. Open auditions were held shortly after Chase's departure, and he was eventually replaced by a new vocalist, Matty Mullins. By this time, Memphis May Fire had already recorded their instruments for the new album with producer Casey Bates and only needed Mullins to contribute his vocals.[6]
Their debut full-length studio album, Sleepwalking, was released on July 21, 2009 through Trustkill Records. Memphis May Fire has described the album as "a new breed of rock n' roll" and musically it has "more aggressive guitar work and noticeably more melodic, but still retains that southern swagger."[7] Their song Ghost In the Mirror was used on the soundtrack for the movie Saw 6.
Memphis May Fire released a second EP entitled Between the Lies on November 2, 2010 through Bullet Tooth Records with more energy and a different style than their previous releases. On December 9, 2010 the band post in their Facebook that the song "Action/Adventure" will be featured in the video game Rock Band 3. In 2010, Matty Mullins was featured in the song "That's What She Said", from Kid Liberty's debut album Fight with Your Fists.
On January 17, 2011, Rise Records announced Memphis May Fire signed to the label and that a new album will be released in spring. The band recently wrapped up the recording of their upcoming full-length record at Chango Studios (Of Machines, I See Stars, Sleeping with Sirens, etc.) in Orlando, Florida. It is expected to be heavier and darker than Sleepwalking and Between the Lies, while further incorporating elements of modern metal & electronics.
On March 3, 2011, a full album teaser for their sophomore album The Hollow was released via Rise Records YouTube page, including its release date of April 26, 2011. On March 22, a full song from The Hollow, entitled "The Sinner", was released to Rise Records YouTube page and on iTunes.[8] On April 23, the entire album was released on the Rise Records YouTube page.
On September 15th, the video for the lead single from The Hollow, "The Sinner", was released on YouTube.[9]
It was announced through the Vans Warped Tour's website on December 7th that Memphis May Fire would be participating in next year's tour.
| Year | Title | Label | Chart positions[10] | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 200 | US Indie | US Heat | |||
| 2009 | Sleepwalking | Trustkill | - | - | - |
| 2011 | The Hollow | Rise | 130 | 24 | 1 |