After parting ways for seven years, SOiL has reunited with original vocalist Ryan McCombs for their sixth studio album, “Whole.” “Whole” is their first independently made album and the result speaks for itself. The record is an absolute beast, their heaviest and most aggressive album yet.
Led by monster riffs from guitarist Adam Zadel, “Whole” is on the attack from start to finish with tracks like “Loaded Gun” and “Ugly.” Lyrically Ryan takes us on a journey through a broken relationship and the five stages of grief with the words Denial, Anger, Pain, Depression, and Acceptance gracing the album cover. Just because the record is heavy doesn’t mean it isn’t catchy. There are still plenty of hooks and screaming choruses especially in the first single “Shine On,” and my favorite track on the album, “The Hate Song.” Adam delivers some ridiculous solos throughout the record and Mike Mushok (Staind) makes a guest appearance on “Wake Up.” Bassist Tim King and studio drummer Will Hunt (Black Label Society, Evanescence) hold the songs together and vocalist McCombs gives us a performance that was truly worth the wait. The album closes out with the acoustic opening of “One Love” before speeding into a total sensory assault.
“Whole” is the best SoiL record yet and should have come with a warning label, “Caution: Due to the possibility of excessive headbanging, use of a neck brace is recommended when listening to this album.” This is one you won’t want to miss.
