Memphis May Fire – This Light I Hold album review

Synth-bothering Texans Memphis May Fire bring back some Southern swagger with new album

Memphis May Fire album cover, 'This Light I Hold'

You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.

Over the past 10 years, Memphis May Fire have evolved away from their initial Southern rock-inspired sound towards the kind of metalcore that got them signed to Rise Records.

But on fifth album, they’ve found more balance between the genre conventions of their previous releases and the melodic, groove-led rock for which their native Texas is better known. That’s not to say that the band have suddenly transformed into Down, or even Black Stone Cherry. Beatdowns and brutality still abound but Matty Mullins’ clean vocals are given more room to shine, particularly on Letting Go – a huge song that sees their more chug-friendly tendencies and dalliances with electronic music melded to some significantly matured songwriting. This Light I Hold is a welcome step forward for a band who have previously struggled to stand out from the pack.