Released 10 years ago this October
This Light I Hold
Memphis May Fire · 2016
48 min · 13 tracks · metalcore
A blend of melodic hooks and aggressive breakdowns, reflecting the trials and triumphs of modern life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Carry On — With its anthemic chorus and motivational lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's theme of perseverance through adversity. It stands out as a rallying cry for listeners facing personal challenges.
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This Light I Hold — Featuring a collaboration with vocalist Jacoby Shaddix, this title track melds powerful melodies with introspective lyrics about hope and healing. Its emotional weight makes it a pivotal moment on the album.
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Letting Go — This track highlights a more vulnerable side of the band, exploring themes of acceptance and moving forward after pain. Its reflective tone provides a counterbalance to the heavier moments throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances aggressive and melodic elements but lacks a strong cohesive flow across all tracks.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective themes.
- Several tracks include dual vocals, alternating between clean singing and harsh screams, which adds dynamic contrast throughout the record.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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 mid-tempo emotional drive
- an anthemic call to resilience
- motivational energy for workouts
- uplifting themes of perseverance
- focused listening with steady flow
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid emotional intensity and depth
Where this album fits
- Career context
- This Light I Hold is Memphis May Fire's fifth studio album, released during a time when the band was solidifying their presence in the metalcore scene. Following their breakthrough album, Unconditional (2014), this record showcases a matured sound while maintaining their signature energy. The band continued to grow their fanbase, marking a period of both commercial success and artistic exploration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Word Alive· Of Mice & Men· August Burns Red
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Out of It 4:14
- 2 Carry On 3:23
- 3 Wanting More 3:47
- 4 Sever the Ties 3:33
- 5 The Enemy 3:51
- 6 This Light I Hold 4:08
- 7 That’s Just Life 3:37
- 8 Letting Go 3:30
- 9 The Antidote 3:35
- 10 Better Things 3:57
- 11 Not Over Yet 3:50
- 12 Unashamed 3:29
- 13 Live It Well 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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