What makes II by Maylene and the Sons of Disaster notable?

II received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its fusion of genres and engaging lyrical content. The album helped the band secure a stronger foothold in the metalcore scene, influencing subsequent Southern rock and metal groups seeking to integrate storytelling into their music. Released on March 20, 2007, II marked Maylene and the Sons of Disaster's sophomore effort, coming two years after their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was solidifying its identity within the Southern metal scene, blending aggressive instrumentation with narrative-driven lyrics while starting to gain a dedicated fanbase.

How many songs are on II?

II has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

II

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster · 2007

40 min · 11 tracks · metalcore

A gritty blend of Southern rock and metalcore, infused with raw emotion and storytelling that resonates deeply.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Memories of the Grove — Opening with haunting melodies, this track encapsulates the emotional depth of the album while setting a reflective tone that recurs throughout.
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Death Is an Alcoholic — This track stands out for its poignant narrative about addiction, marrying heavy riffs with a lyrical exploration of personal struggle and familial ties.
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The Day Hell Broke Loose at Sicard Hollow — Closing the album with an intense energy, this song weaves a vivid tale of chaos and conflict, embodying the band's signature storytelling approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends Southern rock and metalcore effectively, showcasing strong songwriting but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of heavy guitar riffs paired with Southern rock-inspired melodies, particularly evident in tracks like 'Dry the River' and 'Plenty Strong and Plenty Wrong'.
Vocals alternate between aggressive screams and melodic singing, creating a dynamic contrast that engages the listener throughout.
Several tracks incorporate storytelling elements, with lyrics that reflect personal struggles and narratives, enhancing the emotional weight of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Memories of the Grove 4:10
2 Dry the River 3:41
3 Plenty Strong and Plenty Wrong 2:41
4 Darkest of Kin 3:14
5 Raised By the Tide 3:45
6 Wyle 3:40
7 Death Is an Alcoholic 3:22
8 Everyong Needs a Hasting 3:22
9 Don't Ever Cross a Trowell 2:57
10 Tale of the Runaways 4:53
11 The Day Hell Broke Loose at Sicard Hollow 4:42

What to play next

Listen next

III

2009

Go back to

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster

2005

Full Maylene and the Sons of Disaster discography Artists like Maylene and the Sons of Disaster

Southern metal Southern rock metalcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata