Their first album with original vocalist Ryan McCombs since 2004's 'Re.De.Fine', 'Whole' finds SOiL reclaiming their old sound in a welcome fashion.
The record is a natural successor to 'Scars', their 2002 breakthrough, but it’s just arrived a few years out of sequence. Opener Loaded Gun is brimming with intent, packed with sleek guitar work, a big riff and an instantaneous surge of McCombs’ gruff vocals.
The old SOiL are back with a vengeance. The Hate Song follows suit and is a punchy track, complete with a chorus so infectious you'll have nailed it by the end of the first listen.
Lead single Shine On has a restrained intensity before lurching into a riff with a real groove, while Way Gone boasts huge power in its chorus.
My Time and album closer One Love find SOiL at their most progressive, a mesh of soft undertones and explosive counterpoints. But while these tracks possess their own individual power, others are initially one note before repeat listens lift the veil on their deeper elements.
SOiL have created an excellent sequel to 'Scars', and one that sits neatly alongside 'Re.De.Fine'. It’s their best album in years, and was obviously written by a line-up happy to be back together.
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