Soil
Formed in 1997 Chicago Heavy Rock band SOiL quickly took the scene by storm.. After their first independent release, the band was the first rock group signed by the legendary Clive Davis to J Records. The band achieved mainstream success with their major label debut “Scars” in 2001. SOiL is best known for the classic hits “Halo”, “Unreal”, and “Redefine”.
The band went through brief line up changes until reuniting with original vocalist Ryan McCombs in October 2011 for a tour commemorating the tenth anniversary of their landmark album “Scars”. The band permanently rejoined with McCombs after his departure from Texas act Drowning Pool in late 2011. The line up is currently completed with fellow original members Tim King (Bass) and Adam Zadel (Guitar). The band has sold over one million records worldwide with their album “Scars” hitting Silver in the United Kingdom following the anniversary tour.
SOiL’s first ever DVD entitled “Re-LIVE-ing The Scars” was released May 8, 2012 and was recorded live in London, England during the band’s sold out 2011 UK Tour. Following the release of the DVD, SOiL began writing new material and entered the studio in February 2013 with producer Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Breaking Benjamin) to begin recording their first album since the return of McCombs. “This was by far the most comfortable and natural recording process we have ever experienced” says guitarist Adam Zadel “From the writing, pre production, and through the main tracking and mixing, everything was smooth and fluid”
SOiL’s sixth studio album “WHOLE” will be released worldwide in August 2013 via AFM Records (worldwide) and Pavement Entertainment (North America). The album also sees the band going 100% independent with the release. “We wanted to call all the shots on this album and for the first time ever hold our future in our own hands” says bassist Tim King. This will mark the first album with original frontman Ryan McCombs since 2004’s “re.de.fine”. The new album sees SOiL returning to its classic sound that both fans and critics alike have come to admire. The band hails the new album as “An album that could have come directly after the “Scars” album”. Some featured songs from “WHOLE” include “The Hate Song”, “Loaded Gun”, “Way Gone”, and “Shine On” which is dedicated to the SOiL fans for standing by the band throughout the years. Another track titled “Amalgamation” sees Ryan taking song titles from both the SOiL and Drowning Pool releases he was a part of and weaving them into verses of the song.
Ryan McCombs’s take on the lyrical process on “Whole”: I think lyrically speaking, those that are familiar with the work I’ve done are going to get the next chapter that they would expect. Words from a heart and mind that has lived them. One of the greatest things I experience as a lyricist is when people come up and share with me how a song, or a specific verse or line from a song, got them through a hard time or times in their lives. It reminds me of the times music did that for me an how powerful music and/or a lyric can be in a person’s life.
Drums and percussion on “WHOLE” were performed by Will Hunt who is best known for his work with Black Label Society, Evanescence, and Device. “Will added a whole new dimension to the songs” states bassist Tim King. “He added a monstrous and aggressive vibe to the album”.
A guest solo on the song “Wake Up” was also performed by long time friend Mike Mushok of the band Staind.
“The new album is a decisive step forward for SOiL” according to producer Ulrich Wild. “Back to their roots, of sorts, they are leaner, meaner and more mature. I’m thrilled to have been a part of it!”
SOiL “Whole” in stores August 20, 2013!!
