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

IV received positive reviews for its energetic sound and lyrical depth, showcasing the band's evolution within the Southern metal scene. The album's lead single, Save Me, gained traction on rock radio, helping to further elevate the band's profile in a competitive genre. Released in early 2011, IV is the fourth studio album from Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, following their 2009 release, III. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound that blends Southern metal with influences from hardcore punk and Southern rock, aiming to expand their audience after establishing a dedicated fanbase.

How many songs are on IV?

IV has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

IV

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster · 2011

41 min · 12 tracks · metalcore

A gritty fusion of Southern rock and metalcore, IV pulses with raw energy and introspective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Save Me — This track exemplifies the album's blend of catchy melodies and heavy instrumentation, serving as a standout moment that captures the band's signature sound.
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Killing Me Slow — With its haunting lyrics and powerful vocal delivery, this song highlights the emotional depth that permeates the album while maintaining a hard-hitting musical backdrop.
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Open Your Eyes — This track showcases a more melodic side of Maylene's sound, featuring compelling dynamics that contrast with heavier elements present throughout IV.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends aggressive metalcore with Southern rock influences, showcasing varied dynamics but lacking tight cohesion.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and varied tempos.
Several tracks feature dual vocal styles, alternating between harsh screams and clean singing, which adds dynamic contrast throughout the record.
The lyrics often explore themes of personal struggle and introspection, with a notable shift in lyrical tone from aggression to vulnerability as the album progresses.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
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 In Dead We Dream 3:16
2 Save Me 4:00
3 Faith Healer (Bring Me Down) 3:37
4 Open Your Eyes 3:15
5 Killing Me Slow 4:04
6 Taking on Water 4:05
7 Fate Games 2:16
8 Come for You 3:59
9 Never Enough 2:51
10 Cat's Walk 2:37
11 Drought of '85 4:11
12 Off to the Laughing Place 3:27

What to play next

Go back to

III

2009

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