It’s been a long, arduous four years since Flyleaf’s debut album, but it was well worth the wait. Having to wait four years only made my expectations higher and more critical. The second album always makes or breaks a band. Memento Mori is proof that the band has what it takes to play the game of rock ‘n’ roll. Memento Mori is inspirational and mature and exactly what I expect from a band’s sophomore album. The band was not afraid to take risks and they didn’t regurgitate the first album. The album leaps right into the hard-driven edge we’ve come to love with “Beautiful Bride.” The song calls us to unite, and although the Christian undertones are apparent, the song does not seethe holiness and divinity. Like many of their songs, the inspiration is obvious but the lyrics are not excessively ostentatious.

The first single “Again” begins with screeching guitar effects and heart pounding drums. As Lacey Mosley begins to sing the verse, the instruments become more subtle and her unique impassioned voice takes charge. The song gives us a driven hook for the chorus, “Here you are down on your knees again / Trying to find air to breathe again / Only surrender will help you now / I love you please see and believe again.” The song rises and falls with electricity and churning guitars as in “Fully Alive” and ties in memories and influence of their self-titled debut.

“Chasm” offers dark beats and haunting vocals. Lacey’s voice in the chorus mimics the downward spiral of the guitars. Her voice begs for water and I’m even tempted to obey her woeful pleas. Lacey is not afraid to delve into her beliefs, passions, and fears. “The Kind” is an amazing expression of sorrow and anger towards those with cheating hearts. We finally get another taste of Lacey’s powerful scream as she cries for forgiveness. Memento Mori speaks of dark places and thoughts, but there is light glimmering in the distance. Words of encouragement are laced throughout, not everything is sad. The album ends on a hopeful note with “Arise.” If this song doesn’t lift your spirits, then listen harder. Words of strength are sung to us, “Hold on to the world we all remember fighting for / There’s still strength left in us yet / Hold on to the world we all remember dying for / There’s still hope left in it yet / And sing, sing / Arise and be all that you dreamed.” The instruments fade away and you almost want to weep as Lacey sings the last line in silence. Memento Mori is Flyleaf at their best, despite the lack of tiny Lacey’s dynamic scream. Few bands are able to surpass the success of their first album, but Flyleaf makes it look like a walk in the park.

Must listen to tracks: “Again,” “Chasm,” “The Kind,” “In the Dark,” and “Arise”