From the Vault...

01/02/2011
#1236

info
Flyleaf
"Memento Mori"


© A&M/Octone Records
< Year of Release: 2009
Rating:

track listing
  • Beautiful Bride
  • Again
  • Chasm
  • Missing
  • This Close
  • The Kind
  • In The Dark
  • Set Apart This Dream
  • Swept Away
  • Tiny Heart
  • Melting (Interlude)
  • Treasure
  • Circle
  • Arise

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    Flyleaf related sites:
    Flyleaf Website
    Wikipedia
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    Soundtrack--Raiders Of The Lost Ark
    Flyleaf
    "Memento Mori"



    Memento mori is a Latin phrase translated as "Remember your mortality", "Remember you must die" or "Remember you will die" - literally " [in the future] remember to die", since "memento" is a future imperative of the 2nd person, and mori is a deponent infinitive. It names a genre of artistic creations that vary widely from one another, but which all share the same purpose: to remind people of their own mortality. The phrase has a tradition in art that dates back to antiquity. (taken from the Memento Mori Wikipedia page)


    From the darker corners (yet not as dark sounding as Norma Jean), the (Hard Rock) Christian band Flyleaf gets the nod of approval of their second album of their career to reach #1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart -- "Memento Mori." Flyleaf is labeled as an "Alternative Metal" band, and yes, their music does fit Alternative, and even Hard Rock. Led by female vocalist Lacey Mosley, she, and other members Jared Hartmann and Sameer Bhattacharya (guitarists), and Pat Seals (bass), released their debut self-titled album in 2005, and, like Memento Mori, it also reached #1 on the Christian Albums chart.


    "Beautiful Bride" grabs your attention right away, with its harder rock edge. The album's first single, "Again" has comparisons to another (hard rock) Christian band, Skillet. "Chasm" is even harder, comparisons of Skillet and even Creed come to mind.


    "MIssing" can pass for Alternative Rock stations, as it is another good rocking song. "This Close" is also good, a good rock sound, and the vocals are just as good. "The Kind" is good, but not as true as the previous songs. It's not a bad song, though. "In The Dark" starts out mysterious in a way, yet it kicks into the typical hard rock style each song previous.


    "Set Apart This Dream" cranks into an Alternative/Hard Rock'ing, and loud. LOUD -- truly defines the next track, "Swept Away" -- it's Alternative, even a bit Hardcore. "Tiny Heart" is more of a Rock sounding tune (better than the previous two songs). "Tiny Heart" merges into the short "Melting (Interlude)" as the two blend well, you can't really tell it's a regular lengthed song with a short interlude. "Treasure" is another good rocking number, The same can be said for the last two tracks, "Circle" and "Arise."


    Memento Mori is definitely an interesting, and rocking album. They are not like "smooth sailing" bands such as Casting Crowns, Jars Of Clay, or even Third Day. They are definitely a hard rocking band, as the members of this band are Christians. Although their faith influences their music, Lacey Mosley indicates they are not necessarily a Christian band. Sure, their lyrics may reflect on God and related issues, but quote from Mosley: "We're not playing for Chistians, we're playing honestly and that's going to come out."


    One thing for sure, whether those who label Flyleaf as a Christian band, they do ROCK, as their music would probably be considered Alternative, with Christian faith themes. They are heard on Christian Rock stations more than Alternative stations, but to those who listen on Alternative stations, most would probably not know the difference.


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    Previous Review: #1235
    Donnie McClurkin--Live In London And More
    Next Review: #1237
    Soundtrack--Raiders Of The Lost Ark