A Necessary Evolution
Song Review: Necessary Evil by Memphis May Fire
CONTIBUTING AUTHOR Kim
Following the recent release of tracks “Chaotic” and “Paralyzed”, Memphis May Fire just dropped a third new single, “Necessary Evil”. With angst and aggression that effortlessly flow from lead singer Matty Mullins, this banger exemplifies the energy of evolution and growth within the band.
Matty explains, “’Necessary Evil’ is about acknowledging that pain and hardship are integral parts of the human journey. It’s about finding strength in adversity and understanding that these experiences shape who we are.” The track focuses on mental health, with introspective lyrics that align with the band’s tradition of bringing their audience thought-provoking music.
The track opens with dark, heavy industrial riffs, incorporating rap and screams before transitioning into a clean, almost bouncy chorus with lyrics, “Life is pain and love is lethal. It’s a necessary evil.” The second verse deviates from the initial rap with a more melodic feel but reveals the heaviest part of the song. After a seamless shift into a somewhat thrashy moment, the music continues with a slow burn build-up to a powerful breakdown, enhanced by a guttural satisfying ‘Oh’ and eerie digital background elements. A standout moment worth mentioning is Matty’s falsetto in the last chorus.
While Memphis May Fire can sometimes be borderline generic with their sound, “Necessary Evil” brings a much-needed modern twist. This track shines with its experimental elements and solid arrangement, reflecting current trends in the metal core genre. The production is impeccable, balancing intensity with melodic moments, and showcases the band’s cohesive musicality. With this single, the band delivers something unique while still maintaining their distinct sound.
Throughout “Necessary Evil,” Mullin's vocals are impressive and show his expanding vocal palette. His ability to shift seamlessly between screams and melody highlights his talent and proves he has one of the most versatile voices in the business. The band delivers a potent mixture of aggression and melody that will excite new fans and garner appreciation from longtime supporters. If this new track indicates what is to come from Memphis May Fire, we should anxiously await the drop of a new album.