Soil was originally formed in 1997 by three of four members of death metal act Oppressor, joined by guitarist of another death metal act Broken Hope - as a side project to their other bands. Ryan McCombs was later recruited for vocal duties.

The original lineup of the band was Ryan McCombs (vocals) (currently of Drowning Pool), Shaun Glass (guitar) (ex-Broken Hope, currently of the band Dirge Within), Tom Schofield, Tim King, and Adam Zadel (all three ex-Oppressor). McCombs left in 2004 after the band departed from their label (J Records), to be with his family and later join Drowning Pool, and Glass in 2007, citing personal and musical differences. McCombs was replaced with vocalist AJ Cavalier, also of Diesel Machine.

In 2004, the band parted company with its record label (J Records) after disappointing album sales of their second major album Redefine. Shortly after, vocalist Ryan McCombs announced his departure from the group. New York-based vocalist AJ Cavalier was introduced on November 15, 2004 as McCombs’ replacement. On July 20, 2005, McCombs was confirmed to be the new singer for Drowning Pool.

In 2009 I witnessed an amazing performance from the band (supporting Shinedown) with AJ Cavalier taking vocal duties and playing songs from the band’s excellent album, Picture Perfect. Over two years later and Soil was vastly different from the band I remembered and loved. With its original singer back the band seemed to have lost its lighter, more melodic side and opted for much heavier rock for their live shows which lacked any distinction. The band performed well enough but the songs, primarilly from SCARS with two from REDEFINE, just didn’t gel with me. That said, teh crowd loved the band and even sang along…

Set-List: Breaking Me Down, Need To Feel, My Own, Redefine, Cross My Heart, Inside, The One, Wide Open, Black 7, Unreal, Halo.