Before screamo was even a term and emocore truly found its footing, Maximillian Colby was setting the stage for an emo revolution. Emerging from the mid-90s underground scene, this Virginia-based band crafted a sound that was raw, intricate, and emotionally devastating.

Though their time together was tragically brief, Maximillian Colby’s impact on the post-hardcore and emo genres is monumental. Let’s explore their history, their influence, and why their music remains essential listening for anyone who loves alternative rock.

---

Who are Maximillian Colby?

Formed in 1993 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Maximillian Colby consisted of Bob Baynor (bass/vocals), David NeSmith (guitar/vocals), Drew Ringo (guitar/vocals), Tom Richards (drums). Even with 3 vocalists, their music felt cohesive and combined the abrasive intensity of post-hardcore with the emotional vulnerability that would later define the emo movement.

Maximillian Colby’s sound was a careful balancing act: dynamic musical shifts, poetic lyrics with shifting rhyme schemes and structures, and vocals that veered between haunting whispers and desperate screams. It was music that demanded attention and rewarded those willing to immerse themselves in its depths.

---

The Masterpiece: Discography

Maximillian Colby never released a full-length album during their active years. Instead, their output was compiled into the Discography collection, released posthumously in 2002. This compilation captures their raw energy and intricate musicianship, cementing their place in emo and post-hardcore history.

Key Tracks:

• “One Gallon Alda”: “Emo poetry” at its best, sometime’s its hard to imagine the beautiful words penned behind that haunting screams and guitar breaks, but listen closely and true magic will hit your ears.
  “The remark sunk me dead / It tells the story of wrinkled page / A liver mark / Right side pushes / But never ever comes again / Push them all into the sliding turn / Reaches up from the roots and grows gray“
• “Sifelaver”: A track that showcases their penchant for quiet to loud musicality and simple, yet emotionally charged lyrics. At first, you feel like you’re in a Pinback song, until it hits you with heavy guitars and screams that feel as if they’re emptying their souls into the track.
• “Coughfin’”: What’s in a name? Almost everything for this track, though the lyrics are difficult to understand – the title somehow perfectly aligns with the feelings this track gives you. Be sure to stick around for the ending.

---

Why They’re Iconic:

Maximillian Colby’s influence goes far beyond their modest discography. They were innovators in weaving math rock complexity into emocore, laying the groundwork for bands like City of Caterpillar (also a VA based band with intros that hit hard or haunt hard – they do both seamlessly) and Envy (a Japan based emo band boasting an extremely talented vocalist). Their music pushed boundaries, embracing dissonance and vulnerability in equal measure.

Tragically, the band’s story was cut short when bassist Bob Baynor passed away in 1995. This loss marked the end of Maximillian Colby, but their legacy continued to grow, inspiring countless bands in the emo, screamo, and post-hardcore scenes.

---

Where Are They Now?

Though Bob Baynor’s tragic passing in 1995 left the scene and band shook, a few of the members were able to continue creating masterpieces through other projects – and the band’s impact has endured throughout the emo scene.
Side note: 2 albums by Avail are a nod to Bob – “4am Friday” reflects the day and time when the band learned about Bob’s passing, while F.C.A. is a full on tribute).

Dave NeSmith and Drew Ringo formed a few bands together such as Sleepytime Trio – another influential band in the post-hardcore world – along with Regents. Dave is currently part of the band Bats & Mice – more of an indie rock vibe, but still worth checking out! Drew Ringo also formed a band called Supine to Sit with Joshua Golden (ex-Pedro the Lion).

---

Why You Should Listen

Maximillian Colby’s music is essential for anyone looking to understand the roots of emocore and post-hardcore. Their sound is both cerebral and cathartic, offering a unique window into a pivotal moment in alternative music history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, their Discography is a must-listen.

Start with tracks like “New Jello” and let the intensity of their music pull you in. It’s a journey worth taking.

---

Let’s Chat!

What’s your favorite Maximillian Colby track? Have you discovered their music recently, or are you a longtime fan? Let’s talk about their legacy in the comments below. And if you love rediscovering the hidden gems of emocore, stay tuned for more spotlights.

Until next time – Stay emo, stay authentic, and keep the music alive.