Memphis May Fire
Encyclopedia
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
. They have reached much commercial success in the post-hardcore genre, and have a substantial fan base.
. 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." In September 2007 the band had officially signed to Trustkill, and their self-titled EP
was reissued through the label in December 2007.
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." Their song Ghost In the Mirror was used on the soundtrack for the movie Saw 6.
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
. 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.
Former members
Post-hardcore
Post-hardcore is a genre of music that developed from hardcore punk, itself an offshoot of the broader punk rock movement. Like post-punk, post-hardcore is a term for a broad constellation of groups...
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
Underoath
Underoath is an American Christian metalcore band from Tampa, Florida. Founded by Dallas Taylor and Luke Morton on November 30, 1997 in Ocala, Florida, subsequently its additional members were from Tampa, Florida...
and He Is Legend
He Is Legend
He Is Legend is a hard rock band formed in Wilmington, North Carolina who signed to Tragic Hero Records in 2009. The band consists of vocalist front man Schuylar Croom, guitarist Adam Tanbouz, drummer Steven Bache, bassist Matt Williams....
. They have reached much commercial success in the post-hardcore genre, and have a substantial fan base.
Inception (2006–2007)
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!.' In early 2007, the band recorded and self-released an EP, and began creating a local following. Shortly thereafter, Memphis May Fire caught the attention of Josh Grabelle, the president of Trustkill RecordsTrustkill Records
Trustkill Records was an American record label that started as a hardcore punk fanzine in April 1993. It started releasing hardcore, metal and rock records and merchandise in 1994...
. 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
Bullet for My Valentine
Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is composed of Matt Tuck , Michael Paget , Jason James , and Michael Thomas . They were formed under the name Jeff Killed John and started their music career by covering songs by Metallica and Nirvana...
's Hand of Blood
Hand Of Blood
Hand of Blood is the second EP by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. The EP is almost the same as the previous. It was released on August 22, 2005 through Trustkill Records, with completely different artwork and slightly altered tracklisting . Strangely, this EP is not available in the...
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." In September 2007 the band had officially signed to Trustkill, and their self-titled EP
Memphis May Fire (EP)
Memphis May Fire is the self-titled first release by metalcore band Memphis May Fire. It was released on December 4, 2007 through Trustkill Records. This EP was the only official release by Memphis May Fire to feature Chase Ryan, the former vocalist who left the band in 2008 to focus on his new...
was reissued through the label in December 2007.
Sleepwalking (2008–2009)
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 Cory Elder. 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.Their debut full-length studio album, Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking (Memphis May Fire album)
Sleepwalking is the debut full length studio album by American metalcore band Memphis May Fire. The album was released through Trustkill Records on July 21, 2009. This album is the first album with Matty Mullins on vocals after former lead singer Chase Ryan left the band in 2008. Scheduled to be...
, 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." Their song Ghost In the Mirror was used on the soundtrack for the movie Saw 6.
Between the Lies and The Hollow (2010–present)
Memphis May Fire released a second EP entitled Between the LiesBetween the Lies
-Personnel:Memphis May Fire* Ryan Bentley - rhythm guitar* Cory Elder - bass* Kellen McGregor - lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards* Matty Mullins - lead vocals* Eric Molesworth – drumsProduction* Produced, mastered and mixed by Kellen McGregor...
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
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
that the song "Action/Adventure" will be featured in the video game Rock Band 3
Rock Band 3
Rock Band 3 is a music video game, developed by Harmonix Music Systems. The game was initially published and distributed by MTV Games and Electronic Arts, respectively, with Mad Catz taking over both roles a year later. It is the third main game in the Rock Band series...
. 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
Rise Records
-History:Rise was founded in 1991 by Craig Ericson in Roseburg, Oregon. He released a small number of 7" records before putting the label on hiatus to attend college. Ericson didn't release anything further until 1999, after moving to Portland, Oregon. He began issuing small-print 7" records, and...
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
Of Machines
Of Machines was an American post-hardcore band from Atlanta. Formed in 2006, the band was originally known as We Are Kings and changed their name the following year of their formation...
, I See Stars
I See Stars
I See Stars is a post-hardcore band formed in 2006 from Warren, Michigan. They have released two full length albums. Their debut album, 3-D, featured a guest appearance from Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. The album peaked at #176 on the Billboard 200...
, Sleeping with Sirens
Sleeping with Sirens
Sleeping with Sirens is an American post-hardcore band from Orlando, Florida currently residing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Formed in 2009 by members of For All We Know, Broadway and We Are Defiance...
, 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
The Hollow (album)
The Hollow is the second full-length album by American metalcore band Memphis May Fire. The album was released on April 26, 2011, through Rise Records...
was released via Rise Records
Rise Records
-History:Rise was founded in 1991 by Craig Ericson in Roseburg, Oregon. He released a small number of 7" records before putting the label on hiatus to attend college. Ericson didn't release anything further until 1999, after moving to Portland, Oregon. He began issuing small-print 7" records, and...
YouTube page, including its release date of April 26, 2011. On March 22, a full song from The Hollow
The Hollow (album)
The Hollow is the second full-length album by American metalcore band Memphis May Fire. The album was released on April 26, 2011, through Rise Records...
, entitled "The Sinner", was released to Rise Records YouTube page and on iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
. 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.
Band members
Current members- Ryan Bentley – rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
(since 2006) - Cory Elder – bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(since 2008) - Jake Garland – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(since 2010) - Kellen McGregor - lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
, vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
, programmingProgramming (music)Programming is a form of music production and performance using electronic devices, often sequencers or computer programs, to generate music. Programming is used in nearly all forms of electronic music and in most hip hop music since the 1990s. It is also frequently used in modern pop and rock...
, pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
(since 2006) - Matty Mullins – lead vocalsLead vocalistThe lead vocalist is the member of a band who sings the main vocal portions of a song. They may also play one or more instruments. Lead vocalists are sometimes referred to as the frontman or frontwoman, and as such, are usually considered to be the "leader" of the groups they perform in, often the...
(since 2008)
Former members
- Jeremy Grisham – drums (2006–2009)
- Eric Molesworth – drums (2009–2010)
- Tanner Oakes – bass (2006–2007)
- Austin Radford – bass (2007–2008)
- Chase Ryan – lead vocals (2006–2008)
- Garon Rogers - bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(since 2011)
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Label | Chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US Indie | US Heat Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical... |
|||
| 2009 | Sleepwalking Sleepwalking (Memphis May Fire album) Sleepwalking is the debut full length studio album by American metalcore band Memphis May Fire. The album was released through Trustkill Records on July 21, 2009. This album is the first album with Matty Mullins on vocals after former lead singer Chase Ryan left the band in 2008. Scheduled to be... |
Trustkill Trustkill Records Trustkill Records was an American record label that started as a hardcore punk fanzine in April 1993. It started releasing hardcore, metal and rock records and merchandise in 1994... |
- | - | - |
| 2011 | The Hollow The Hollow (album) The Hollow is the second full-length album by American metalcore band Memphis May Fire. The album was released on April 26, 2011, through Rise Records... |
Rise Rise Records -History:Rise was founded in 1991 by Craig Ericson in Roseburg, Oregon. He released a small number of 7" records before putting the label on hiatus to attend college. Ericson didn't release anything further until 1999, after moving to Portland, Oregon. He began issuing small-print 7" records, and... |
130 | 24 | 1 |
Extended plays
- Memphis May FireMemphis May Fire (EP)Memphis May Fire is the self-titled first release by metalcore band Memphis May Fire. It was released on December 4, 2007 through Trustkill Records. This EP was the only official release by Memphis May Fire to feature Chase Ryan, the former vocalist who left the band in 2008 to focus on his new...
(Trustkill, 2007) - Between the LiesBetween the Lies-Personnel:Memphis May Fire* Ryan Bentley - rhythm guitar* Cory Elder - bass* Kellen McGregor - lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards* Matty Mullins - lead vocals* Eric Molesworth – drumsProduction* Produced, mastered and mixed by Kellen McGregor...
(Bullet Tooth, 2010)
List of guest appearances
- Matty Mullins - "That's What She Said" from Kid Liberty's album Fight with Your Fists (2010)
- Matty Mullins - "The Architect" from Fit for a King's album Descendants (2011)