Flyleaf: Memento Mori

Release Date: 11/10/2009
Genre(s): Rock/Christian


For my first review, I thought I'd start with a new release that has really impressed me. Flyleaf first came on the music scene four years ago in 2005 with their self titled debut. My local indie music store owner insisted I own the album, and after the first track I understood why. Now I've spent the past four years waiting for the follow up to the first release, and Memento Mori did not provide much in the way of disappointment.
Lyrically, Flyleaf decided to incorporate more intentional references to their faith into the music. The opening track, "Beautiful Bride," seems to lift lyrics straight from the Bible itself, "Beautiful bride, body of Christ/One flesh abiding, strong and unifying," a topic which will either capture or isolate listeners from the beginning.
For the listeners who can get past the first track, the rest of the album consists of diverse tracks, from alternative to metal rock. I kept waiting to hear Lacey's infamous screams, a token sound from 2005's Flyleaf. However, not a single track had that moment I was waiting for. If' you're expecting Memento Mori to have the same edge as the band's debut, then you will be disappointed.
Perhaps the highlight of the whole album is the track "Treasure," which seems to reflect that desire many teens and adolescents go have to feel accepted and wanted. Don't we all just want to be loved? While we may not choose the words, "dazzling, precious, treasure," ultimately we all want to feel that way at some point.
Overall, the four year wait for the sophomore effort from Flyleaf has established the band as a relevant, talented group. We can expect to see more boldness, and hopefully more of those angelic screams, in the future.