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If you like your music laden with blistering crunching guitar that pack so much heat that it rocks your face off, well Maylene and the Sons of Disaster would satisfy that craving for you. Blend together elements of Southern Rock and Hardcore Metal they beautifully create a sound that is both original and rocking. They flat out shred. Fronted by Dallas Taylor (who was in the band Underoath) you can feel their passion. The band name comes from the famous story of Ma Baker and her sons. Dallas from his youth had been fascinated by her story because it perfectly shows that divine judgement will eventually catch up to those who see evil. To get an appreciation of  Maylene’s sound imagine how it would sound if The Black Crowes and Living Sacrifice decided to jam together. Dallas’ lead vocals alternate between guttural and melodic. I have never heard any other band remotely like Maylene, they have definitely craved out a new genre in the music industry with this release. What makes this album so intense are the unashamed lyrics that are apparent throughout. You can feel the band’s deep devotion to Christ in these ten tracks. Much to their credit they do not (like other artists) use that faith as a shield to hid behind. They use it to create art that allows the soul to be touched. From the song “Gusty Like The Wind” comes the line: “God give me one reason to love this place/come on, just one reason,” with words like this Maylene engages the listener’s mind as well as their heart. Too often musicians are content to just make really cool music to be listened to and not give the words as much attention. You can tell this just isn’t the case here at all. So do yourself a favor pick up this album, crank up the stereo and bathe in the southern fried metal goodness that is Maylene and the Sons of Disaster.

Aaron Anderson 10/27/2005

In addition to writing for Phantom Tollbooth, Aaron also independently writes poems, devotionals and more about the human condition. To read more of his writings or order some of his books go to: www.aaroncanderson.us.