Memfis, Wind Up

Formed in 2003 and hailing from Sweden, MEMFIS’ brand of metal is unlike many of the legendary bands to come from their home country. Mixing DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN like jazz elements and timing with choruses reminescent of ALICE IN CHAINS or TOOL, MEMFIS attempt to separate themselves from the rest of the crowd. The opening track, “Breathless”, is a key example of their well executed take on melodic death metal. There are soaring riffs, guttural growls, that Layne Staley inspired chorus, and jazz elements all blended well together.

Throughout the disc you’ll find the band mixing heavy metalcore riffs with hard rock guitar work, layering different vocal styles, and a clean production — all to create one hell of a debut. With “Forever Discounted” MEMFIS take their time and slow the pace abit, mixing up the timing and groove so as to avoid the stagnation of having every track sound the same, as is prone to happen in many metalcore debut albums. The track ends with a bit of an abient feel.

Other great elements on the album include the thrash blasts of “Cover It Up”, soaring riffs of “Dead Ends” and industrial din of noise covering “Save the Day.” Overall MEMFIS do a pretty decent job melding a variety of styles into an album that flows pretty well and is enjoyable to listen to.

It’s still surprising to hear all of it on a debut album. I can’t wait to hear more from this band on future albums.

Favorite Tracks:
Breathless
Dead Ends
Save the Day