Memphis May Fire - The Key Club, Leeds 05.12.2019
Nashville Metalcore outfit Memphis May Fire returned for 9 dates in the UK on their first full headline tour over here since 2014 in support of their sixth studio album "Broken".
Local support for the Leeds date came from Bradford band Defining Lines. They had a good energy about them, but were harboured by an unenthusiastic audience and a smaller stage space to perform in. Particular highlights of their set were their tracks 'Wasted Youth' and their final song 'Fall Apart'. By the time this song was performed the audience had begun to liven up a little and they ended on a high note, with the lead vocals showing the bands clear inspiration from heavyweights of the genre Architects.
Main support was provided by the Israeli group Walkways, Metalcore's answer to System Of A Down, who I discovered were one of their main influences alongside Korn. With poetic lyrics sang with effortless vocals, harmonies and a great stage presence from all 5, Walkways were perhaps one of the best support bands I've seen to date. Their song 'Out' was a particular highlight of the set, with haunting quiet verses building to brutal choruses that bring a fresh take to the well established Metalcore formula.
Now for the main event. Memphis May Fire brought an electrifying atmosphere as soon as they stepped on stage. Frontman Matty Mullins seemed so humble and genuinely appreciative of his fans throughout the set, showing that the Metal community is basically a family. The band towed the line between emotion and pure Metalcore aggression perfectly throughout, playing songs from across their discography to please fans old and new. Note perfect solos and punishing riffs were delivered to perfection. Although their set was fairly brief, clocking in at just over an hour, the crowd was left satisfied and exhausted.
I would definitely recommend seeing Memphis May Fire live whenever they next tour, as they have a genuine passion for the music that they write and perform for their dedicated fanbase across the globe.
Memphis May Fire - https://www.facebook.com/MemphisMayFire/
Walkways - https://www.facebook.com/Walkways/
Defining Lines - https://www.facebook.com/DefiningLinesBand/
Review - Gordon Rae
