ALBUM REVIEW: Shapeshifter – Memphis May Fire

March 31, 2025 Izzy Sheldon

No strangers to the metalcore scene, MEMPHIS MAY FIRE return with their new album Shapeshifter. The band have explained this release focuses on self reflection, the constant inner battles that we all face and the lies we tell ourselves to cover up what we don’t want to hear. A important topic that most have probably dealt with, this is sure to make for some relatable lyrics throughout. With all but two tracks released prior to the full thing, this is an interesting method that could either make or break the hype around the album as a whole.

Jumping straight in with the catch of the chorus, Chaotic hooks you right from the beginning of the track and the album. Matty Mullins’ vocals are smooth and tuneful, inviting you to listen on as this song builds into a rolling riff drop. A definite radio friendly feel, the tune is catchy to be sure and is one you’ll be singing along to in no time. Adding a bit of edge, Mullins strays from the melodic tendencies of the track to give us some heavier elements as well. It’s always nice to be treated to a breakdown, and at first this one feels a bit lacklustre but builds towards the latter half, rounding up a pretty fun song.

Bringing in a bit of an electronic element, Overdose highlights the theme of self reflection and does this accompanied by an infectious rhythm and vocal pattern. In the heavier sections of the song, these rough and fast paced verses feel a bit like something off of an ELECTRIC CALLBOY release, but this is quickly passed over through the bouncy pop-esque chorus.

When Paralyzed first begins, you might think here comes one of the heavier tracks on the album. The intro is promising, going straight into some down tuned guitars and heavy vocals which create a really enjoyable beat carried by Jake Garland’s drums. This develops into an interesting modern transition which could have been really effective if we’d gone straight back into another heavy section. The song instead feeds into the chorus which on its own is good, but follows a similar pattern to that of the previous tracks – the title of the song intertwined with rhyming lyrics which is then repeated to a medium paced guitar section. There’s nothing wrong with this and the choruses have all been catchy so far, but something a bit more exciting could have been played around with to give the album a bit more variety. You have to give it to them though, the second pre chorus hook where Mullins mixes his vocal rhythm up to a new pop beat really stands out and adds some extra flavour to the track.

Necessary Evil really is a stand out track on this release, mixing rap and heavier vocals together simultaneously and giving a modern nu-metal vibe. The beats and flow of this track keeps you guessing and entertained throughout. The talents of guitarist Kellen McGregor and bassist Cory Elder are really highlighted here in the mix of different pacing, still using similar tones but creating really memorable sections that carry a lot of the song.

Perhaps a metaphor for the meaning behind the album, but the next two tracks really contrast each other and are surprising when listening to the release straight through. The Other Side follows a softer path, really getting across the heartfelt lyrics and struggle within. Title track Shapeshifter throws this all away very quickly through a beaty and fast paced challenge. Carrying a heavy WAGE WAR vibe, this song brings a nice extra flavour to the release which is only accentuated by the nature of the previous track.

When listening to the two unreleased songs from the album, it’s easy to see why they were kept together. Versus really acts as more of an intro into Love Is War, and would have lost its impact if it were to be released separately. It’s a nice enough track, but at a total running time of one minute thirty nine, it has finished before it has even really started. When played prior to Love Is War however, it adds another layer to a pretty well rounded ending. Mixing lighter and darker elements, the final song acts as a conclusion to this album of self reflection, highlighting the good and the bad in ones relationship to themselves.

Overall, Shapeshifter is catchy and has a lot of singalong moments throughout the choruses. At times it feels a bit formulaic, sometimes leading to tracks bleeding together. Where the track Necessary Evil stands out is due to the disregard to the songs prior, exploring something different and challenging what the listener has come to expect. Shapeshifter may not be to everyone’s taste, but generally the album is an enjoyable listen and provides some tracks to add to your metalcore playlists.

Rating: 6/10