Maylene and the Sons of Disaster launched their July tour in Greenville, South Carolina, making the Radio Room the first stop of a five-date run through the Southeast. With support from Atomic Rule, Across Five Aprils, New Rituals, and hometown openers Reviler, the night featured a diverse lineup that blended Southern metal, hardcore, sludge, and metalcore from start to finish.
The show wasn’t sold out, but it certainly felt close by the end of the night. Fans continued filing into the venue throughout the evening, and by the time Across Five Aprils took the stage, the room had filled in nicely. The crowd kept growing as the night went on, creating an energetic atmosphere for every band.
Greenville’s own Reviler opened the night with plenty of energy and solid stage presence. As the newest band on the bill, getting the crowd moving proved difficult, but they represented their hometown well. New Rituals, a hardcore band from Chattanooga, followed with an aggressive set that showed plenty of promise. While still developing their stage chemistry, the band delivered a strong performance. Vocalist Keller Harbin was formerly in The Chariot, while drummer Drew Miller also plays in Across Five Aprils.
Formed in Chattanooga in 2001, Across Five Aprils reminded everyone why they’ve maintained such a loyal following. Vocalist Brandon Mullins joked that the band only plays a handful of shows each year and described their sound as “hardcore adjacent.” Any concerns about rust quickly disappeared as fans sang along throughout the set. One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when Mullins discovered it was a young fan’s sixth birthday and invited the crowd to wish him a happy birthday before giving him a safe first crowd surfing experience.
The biggest surprise of the night was Atomic Rule. Featuring former Every Time I Die guitarist Andy Williams and drummer Niko Yamada, who previously played drums in ’68, the band delivered crushing, groove laden sludge metal with precision and confidence. Their performance sparked the night’s first pit and crowd surfing, immediately raising the energy level inside the venue. Josh Scogin was watching from side stage, there to support his former bandmates Keller Harbin and Niko Yamada.
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When Maylene and the Sons of Disaster finally took the stage, the wait was well worth it. Dallas Taylor continues to prove why he remains one of the most respected frontmen in heavy music. Considering everything he has overcome throughout his career, it is remarkable to watch him perform with the same passion and intensity that helped establish the band’s reputation years ago.
Every member of Maylene and the Sons of Disaster attacked the stage with complete conviction. Their chemistry, confidence, and constant movement kept the audience engaged from beginning to end. The Southern rock swagger mixed with crushing metal riffs sounded as powerful as ever, while the band’s exceptional stage presence created a connection that only comes from years of earning loyal fans.
I also had the opportunity to film this performance while working with Soundlink Magazine (see the video below). Seeing the show from behind multiple cameras gave me an even greater appreciation for how much energy Maylene and the Sons of Disaster bring to the stage. Every member is fully invested in the performance, and that intensity translates directly to the audience.
Perhaps the most meaningful moment happened after the music stopped. Rather than disappearing backstage, Dallas Taylor stayed to meet fans, pose for photos, and spend time with everyone who wanted to say hello. It was especially encouraging to see him patiently taking pictures with young fans, creating memories they will likely never forget. Those simple moments often leave as much of an impression as the concert itself.
WATCH Maylene and the Sons of Disaster FULL SET Multi Cam
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster Photo Gallery
From local openers to veteran headliners, every band brought something different to the evening. Reviler represented Greenville well, New Rituals showed plenty of potential, Across Five Aprils reminded everyone why they’ve maintained a loyal following, Atomic Rule delivered the night’s biggest surprise, and Maylene and the Sons of Disaster closed everything with a performance that demonstrated exactly why they remain one of the defining names in Southern metal.
Sometimes a tour comes through town that reminds you why live music matters. This was one of those nights. From the hometown support to the veteran musicians on stage, the first stop of the tour set a high standard for the remaining dates. If this performance was any indication, the rest of the tour was in for one unforgettable ride.
