Maylene and the Sons of Disaster is a renowned American heavy metal band that emerged from the depths of Birmingham, Alabama. Established in 2004, the band was born from vocalist Dallas Taylor's departure from Underoath.
Inspired by the notorious criminal gang led by Ma Barker and her sons, their debut self-titled album was released in 2005. Maylene and the Sons of Disaster signed with Ferret Music in 2006, marking a pivotal moment in their career.
Despite facing lineup changes and personal challenges, including Taylor's ATV accident in 2016, the band has persevered, releasing their fourth album in 2011 and continuing to amass both critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
This article delves into the band's journey from tragedy to triumph, showcasing their unwavering resilience and significant contributions to the metal scene.
Key Takeaways
- Maylene and the Sons of Disaster is an American heavy metal band from Birmingham, Alabama, formed in 2004.
- The band signed to Ferret Music in 2006 and released their self-titled debut album in 2007.
- Maylene and the Sons of Disaster gained critical acclaim and popularity with their fourth album, released in 2011.
- The band faced tragedy with vocalist Dallas Taylor's ATV accident, but has since reunited and continued their music career.
Formation and Early Years
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster was formed in 2004, shortly after vocalist Dallas Taylor's departure from Underoath, marking the beginning of their early years in the American heavy metal scene.
Influenced by bands like Pantera, Black Sabbath, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster combined elements of Southern rock and heavy metal to create a unique sound.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 2005, gained early success and showcased their heavy riffs, aggressive vocals, and intense energy.
The band's name and concept, inspired by the legend of Ma Barker and her criminal gang, added to their mystique and appeal.
With their powerful music and captivating live performances, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene.
Signing to Ferret Music and Album Releases
After gaining early success and establishing themselves as a force in the heavy metal scene, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster took their music to the next level by signing with Ferret Music. This partnership allowed the band to reach a wider audience and solidify their place in the genre.
Here are some key points about Maylene's signing with Ferret Music and their album releases:
- Maylene's influence on the heavy metal genre:
- Maylene and the Sons of Disaster brought a unique sound to the heavy metal scene, blending elements of southern rock and post-hardcore.
- Their music resonated with fans who appreciated the band's raw energy and intense performances.
- Maylene's lyrics, which often explored themes of redemption and divine justice, resonated with listeners looking for deeper meaning in their music.
- Maylene's collaboration with other bands:
- While signed to Ferret Music, Maylene had the opportunity to collaborate with other bands in the scene.
- They went on tour with bands like Haste the Day, showcasing their talent to a broader audience.
- Vocalist Dallas Taylor even reunited with his former band, Underoath, for a tour, further solidifying Maylene's presence in the heavy metal community.
- Album releases:
- After signing with Ferret Music, Maylene released their EP 'The Day Hell Broke Loose at Sicard Hollow' in 2007.
- This was followed by their self-titled full-length album, 'Maylene and the Sons of Disaster,' also released in 2007.
- These releases received positive reviews and helped cement Maylene's status as a rising force in the heavy metal genre.
- Continued success:
- Maylene and the Sons of Disaster continued to gain popularity and critical acclaim with subsequent album releases.
- Their fourth album, produced by Brian Virtue and Rob Graves, was lauded as their best yet.
- The band's ability to consistently deliver powerful and compelling music contributed to their ongoing success in the heavy metal scene.
Third Album and Lineup Changes
During their journey in the heavy metal scene, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster experienced significant lineup changes and released their third album. Titled 'III', the album was released in 2009 and debuted at No. 71 on the Billboard 200 chart.
However, during this time, vocalist Dallas Taylor took a break from touring and was temporarily replaced by Schuylar Croom of He Is Legend. Despite this change, the band continued to make waves in the music industry.
They even had the opportunity to showcase their talent on a larger platform, as they performed the entrance theme for WWE Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho and The Big Show.
Moreover, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster were also featured on the Taste of Chaos Tour in Europe in 2009, further solidifying their presence in the heavy metal scene.
Fourth Album and Continued Success
Throughout their career, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster have consistently achieved continued success, further solidifying their place in the heavy metal scene. With the release of their fourth album, the band continued to evolve their sound and make a significant impact on the genre.
Here are four key points about Maylene and the Sons of Disaster's fourth album and their continued success:
- Evolution of sound: The band's fourth album showcased their growth as musicians and songwriters. They pushed the boundaries of their heavy metal sound, incorporating elements of southern rock and blues, creating a unique and captivating sound that set them apart from their peers.
- Impact on the genre: Maylene and the Sons of Disaster's fourth album not only resonated with their fans but also had a significant impact on the heavy metal genre as a whole. Their innovative sound and powerful lyrics inspired a new generation of bands and helped redefine the boundaries of what heavy metal could be.
- Critical acclaim: The band's fourth album received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising their musicality, songwriting, and the emotional depth of their lyrics. The album's powerful and introspective tracks resonated with listeners, further establishing Maylene and the Sons of Disaster as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene.
- Continued popularity: Despite lineup changes and personal setbacks, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster continued to gain popularity and maintain a dedicated fanbase. Their fourth album solidified their position as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of their time, ensuring their continued success and longevity in the industry.
ATV Accident, Hiatus, and Reunion
Following the critical acclaim and continued success of their fourth album, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster faced a series of challenges, including an ATV accident, a hiatus, and a subsequent reunion.
In December 2015, vocalist Dallas Taylor and guitarist Jake Duncan were involved in an altercation with police officers outside of a bar. However, the band's troubles didn't end there.
In 2016, Taylor was hospitalized due to an ATV accident, which resulted in multiple broken bones, internal bleeding, and head injuries. Despite these setbacks, the band rallied together and played a benefit show to help cover Taylor's medical bills.
During Taylor's recovery, Keller Harbin and Matthew Hasting stepped in to fill his role in the band. This period of adversity tested the band's resilience, but they managed to rebuild and ultimately reunite to continue making music.
The Band's Fifth Album and New Beginnings
After overcoming a series of challenges, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster embarked on a new chapter with the release of their highly anticipated fifth album. This album marked a significant milestone in the band's career, showcasing their growth as musicians and their evolution in the heavy metal genre.
Maylene's creative process for this album was a collaborative effort, with each member bringing their unique ideas and influences to the table. The result was a collection of songs that pushed the boundaries of their sound while staying true to their signature style. The band experimented with different musical elements, incorporating melodic hooks and intricate guitar riffs.
The fifth album not only demonstrated Maylene's artistic maturity but also solidified their status as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of their time.
Maylene's Impact on the Metal Scene
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster have left an indelible mark on the metal scene through their distinctive sound and unwavering dedication to their craft. With their unique blend of Southern rock and metal, Maylene's influence on modern metal is undeniable. They have made significant contributions to the Southern metal genre, infusing it with their aggressive riffs, intense vocals, and lyrical themes of redemption and justice. Maylene's impact can be seen in their ability to captivate audiences with their energetic live performances and their ability to connect with fans on a personal level. Their music resonates with listeners, drawing them into a world of chaos and redemption. Maylene and the Sons of Disaster have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene, and their legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring metal musicians.
| Maylene's Influence on Modern Metal | Maylene's Contribution to the Southern Metal Genre |
|---|---|
| Unique blend of Southern rock and metal | Infused Southern metal with aggressive riffs, intense vocals, and lyrical themes of redemption and justice |
| Captivating live performances | Energetic performances that connect with fans on a personal level |
| Legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring metal musicians | Proven themselves to be a force in the metal scene |
The Band's Evolution and Musical Style
Having left an indelible mark on the metal scene, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster further solidified their impact through the evolution of their musical style. Here are four key aspects of their evolution:
- Musical influences and genre fusion: Maylene's music draws from a wide range of influences, including Southern rock, metalcore, and classic heavy metal. They expertly blend these genres to create a unique sound that is both heavy and melodic.
- Evolution of Maylene's lyrical themes: Over the years, Maylene's lyrical themes have evolved from their initial focus on divine justice for evil lifestyles. They have delved into introspective and personal topics, exploring themes of struggle, redemption, and self-reflection. This evolution has allowed them to connect with their audience on a deeper level.
- Experimentation with sound: As the band matured, they began to experiment with their sound, incorporating elements of blues, punk, and even country into their music. This experimentation not only showcased their versatility as musicians but also added depth and diversity to their discography.
- Continued growth and innovation: Maylene and the Sons of Disaster have consistently pushed the boundaries of their musical style, refusing to be confined by genre limitations. They have embraced change and growth, continually evolving their sound to stay relevant and captivate their audience.
Through their musical influences, evolving lyrical themes, experimentation with sound, and commitment to growth and innovation, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster have solidified their place as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.
Maylene's Legacy and Future Plans
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster have left an indelible mark on the Southern metal genre, blending elements of heavy metal, hardcore punk, and Southern rock to create their unique sound. With their intense live performances and emotionally charged lyrics, Maylene has garnered a dedicated fanbase and gained critical acclaim over the years.
As for their future plans, the band has not made any official announcements regarding upcoming projects. However, considering their resilience in the face of adversity and their strong musical legacy, it is safe to assume that Maylene and the Sons of Disaster will continue to push the boundaries of their genre and deliver more powerful music to their fans in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Were the Specific Reasons for Vocalist Dallas Taylor's Departure From Underoath?
Dallas Taylor's departure from Underoath was due to personal and creative differences. The impact of Maylene and the Sons of Disaster's band name and concept reflected their belief in divine justice for those living evil lifestyles.
How Did Maylene and the Sons of Disaster Come up With Their Band Name and Concept?
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster derived their band name and concept from the legend of the criminal gang led by Ma Barker and her sons. Their music reflects the idea of divine justice for evil lifestyles.
What Other Bands Did Maylene and the Sons of Disaster Tour With in Support of Their Self-Titled Debut Album?
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster toured with bands like Haste the Day in support of their self-titled debut album. This collaboration helped the band gain popularity and critical acclaim, contributing to their continued success.
Who Replaced Dallas Taylor Temporarily When He Took a Break From Touring?
During a break from touring, Dallas Taylor of Maylene and the Sons of Disaster was temporarily replaced by Schuylar Croom of He Is Legend. Croom filled in for Taylor while he took time off from performing.
How Did Maylene and the Sons of Disaster Gain Popularity and Critical Acclaim After the Release of Their Fourth Album?
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster gained popularity and critical acclaim after the release of their fourth album through a combination of impactful sound and lyrical themes, strategic marketing and promotional strategies, and positive reception from fans and critics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster have overcome numerous obstacles throughout their career, from lineup changes to personal challenges. Despite these setbacks, they have continued to release music and garner acclaim, building a devoted fanbase. Their resilience and musical contributions have made a significant impact on the metal scene, solidifying their legacy as a band that has triumphed over tragedy.
One interesting statistic is that their fourth album, released in 2011, received critical acclaim and peaked at number 71 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Our Reader’s Queries
Where is Maylene and the Sons of Disaster from?
Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster is a hard-hitting American heavy metal band. They burst onto the music scene in 2004, following the exit of lead singer Dallas Taylor from Underoath.
Check Out For More References