Sleepwalking
Memphis May Fire · 2009
35 min · 10 tracks · metalcore
A visceral blend of metalcore and post-hardcore that weaves emotional intensity with aggressive instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
North Atlantic vs. North Carolina — This opening track sets the tone for the album with dynamic shifts between melodic passages and aggressive riffs, highlighting the band's duality.
-
→
Sleepwalking — The title track encapsulates the band's lyrical exploration of personal struggles and introspection amidst a backdrop of heavy instrumentals.
-
→
Ghost in the Mirror — This song combines haunting melodies with powerful breakdowns, illustrating the band's ability to fuse emotion with technical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic metalcore elements but lacks standout compositions that elevate it above its peers.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
- Vocals alternate between melodic singing and aggressive screaming, creating dynamic contrasts within individual songs.
- Several tracks feature breakdowns that emphasize rhythm over melody, typical of metalcore, while others incorporate atmospheric interludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady emotional catharsis throughout
- mid-tempo flow for reflection
- youthful struggle and resilience
- engaging narratives from start
- for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek slow, atmospheric pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2009, Sleepwalking was Memphis May Fire's debut album, positioning them as a promising new force in the metalcore scene. The band emerged from Dallas, Texas, building on their local success and showcasing a unique sound that would set the foundation for their future releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Word Alive· Of Mice & Men· August Burns Red
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 North Atlantic vs. North Carolina 3:43
- 2 A Giant in a Giants World 3:14
- 3 You’re Lucky It’s Not 1692 3:40
- 4 Ghost in the Mirror 3:54
- 5 Been There, Done That 3:29
- 6 Quantity Is Their Quality 3:28
- 7 Sleepwalking 3:47
- 8 Destiny for the Willing 3:05
- 9 The Face With No Name 3:10
- 10 Speak Now I’m Listening 3:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.