You know that scene in Spinal Tap, where Rob Reiner is reading the band a review of the Shark Sandwich album and he says, "This one is simply two words: Shit Sandwich?"

Scanning through most of the reviews of IV, the fourth album by Alabama Christian rockers Maylene and the Sons of Disaster is kind of like that. The crowning jewel in the dismissive statments? This one from Alternative Press:

Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster stink like wet fart from a bloated biker in a Skynyrd shirt.

Stinky, right?

Singer Dallas Taylor notes that "mixed reviews" is a fair assessment regarding IV. "Yeah, I think a lot of people thought we changed our style too much" he says, of the shift from Southern-tinged hardcore to full on power ballads and radio-ready rock. "We've always just had the attitude that whatever comes out comes out."

Taylor and I discussed the album, growing up as a Christian Ministry fan, and accusations that the band has "gone corporate." Maylene and the Sons of Disaster is scheduled to perform Tuesday, January 31 at Club Red in Tempe.