I have an embarrassing confession…I’ve been following Memphis May Fire for years, but this was my first time seeing them live! Last night, May 4th, my son and I headed to The Varsity Theater in Minneapolis for a SOLD OUT show! It was already packed when we arrived, and the energy in the room built steadily thanks to a strong lineup of openers. Elijah opened with a no-frills approach that pulled people in early. Wind Walkers followed with a more atmospheric sound that still packed a punch. Caskets wrapped up the opening run with a tight, melodic set that fully engaged the crowd. All three did what good openers should: warmed the room without wearing it out.
When Memphis May Fire finally hit the stage, they wasted no time. They opened with “Shapeshifter,” which exploded out of the gate. Even though I’ve watched countless live videos over the years, nothing compares to hearing it live—the sound, the lights, the crowd response. “Paralyzed” and “Overdose” kept the momentum going, and Matty Mullins sounded sharp, switching seamlessly between clean and unclean vocals. I was impressed by how tight the band played without feeling robotic—there was passion in every riff and beat. Matty wore a stylish, yet heavy jacket during the entire set, and I don’t know how he didn’t pass out from heat exhaustion.
The middle stretch of the set pulled from their extensive catalog, and the balance really worked. Tracks like “Somebody” and “Bleed Me Dry” had the newer crowd singing, while older songs like “The Abandoned” and “The Sinner” hit that nostalgic nerve for longtime fans like me. One highlight was “Miles Away”—it slowed things down just enough, and the crowd sang along with full voice. And then they turned right around and lit it up again with “Chaotic,” and the crowd went wild- jumping, moshing, crowdsurfing- no one was holding back.
After a brief break, they emerged again for an encore. “Hell Is Empty” and “Blood & Water” were played heavy, anthemic, and cathartic. After years of waiting to see them live, I walked away more than satisfied. Memphis May Fire brings the kind of live show that reminds me of why I fell in love with metalcore in the first place: the energy, the emotion, and the aggression. They are a band that gives it everything they’ve got. I highly recommend checking them out on this amazing tour.
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